Accelerated Development With Traditional Toys

The development of language skills begins soon after birth, as babies listen and learn the various sounds of their native tongue. Soon babies will begin to utter short syllables, progressing to their first word. Toddlers are expanding their vocabulary and gaining an understanding of conversation as well as print. By the preschool years, most children have a large vocabulary and speak in complete sentences. Preschoolers are also developing early language skills that will help them read and write. Providing your child with a variety of traditional toys throughout early childhood will encourage the development of these skills.

The absolute best traditional toys that enhance language development are books. Reading to your child helps him not only understand language in print, it also allows him to see and hear common patterns in word and sentence structure. Aside from setting aside a daily time to read with your child, you should also provide him with books to explore on his own. Fabric books are best for babies and board books are designed to withstand abuse from toddlers. Preschoolers should be ready for traditional books with paper pages and should have books from a variety of genres.

Language skills are also developed through social play, especially imaginative or dramatic play. Traditional toys, like dress-up clothes and props for pretend play, encourage children to talk, expanding their vocabulary and conversational skills. Pretend play also helps children develop storytelling skills as they create their own scenarios for play. Provide your child with open-ended traditional toys that invite him to think and play creatively to enhance these skills.

Imaginative play with traditional toys like blocks and dolls can also help your child develop language skills. Generally, children talk and build storylines as they play with these toys too. You can enhance language development as your child plays with building toys, dollhouses, or other traditional toys that stimulate the imagination by asking him questions about what he's creating and what is happening in his scenario.

Puppets can be made at home from something as simple as a sock or paper bag or they can be purchased in a variety of styles and designs. These traditional toys are another terrific way to develop language skills with your child. Act out your child's favorite story together with puppets and try to create your own stories together as well. Playing with puppets can enhance oral language and conversation skills, expand vocabulary, and help to develop the skills needed for creative writing.

Language development is not limited to speech and oral language. Prereading and prewriting skills are also a vital part of language development. Traditional toys like crayons and coloring books can help young children develop early writing skills. Classic memory style games and picture matching games are other traditional toys that help children develop vocabulary as well as early reading skills.

The development of language skills early in childhood is essential to healthy growth and development in the future. Talk to your child and listen when he talks to you. Encourage his early attempts by repeating and expanding on what he says. Ask open-ended questions, especially questions that require your child to think creatively, and provide him with a variety of traditional toys that enhance language development.

Gary Clay is an authority on traditional toys, and runs the popular traditional toyshop Monkeyshine in the UK.