Language-Rich Spring Gifts

Spring is full of time outside, new growth, and opportunities to update some activities for the children in your life. Whether you are filling an Easter basket, updating outside activities and toys, or have a spring birthday to celebrate, this list has you covered for language-rich play-based items.

Birth to Three

• Fubbles! These bubbles are "no-spill" and can easily be refilled. Get the smaller size for small hands or the large container to share. Practice dipping, blowing, taking turns, and popping the bubbles with the words dip, blow, go, my turn, your turn, and pop!

• Push Toys help with gross motor milestones as well as provide opportunities for caregivers to model language by narrating events for the child.

• Spring board books are sturdy and allow introduction of some more spring-like vocabulary for little ones. Reading outside can be a great experience and change of scenery.

• Magnifying glass and bug net. These are fun for toddlers to explore the outdoors and indoors. Look at bugs, grass, leaves, dirt, rocks, the floor, bottoms of shoes, anything your toddler finds interesting! Use the net to catch bugs, leaves in the wind, or explore how water moves through it.

Preschool (3-5)

• "Go Find It!" This simple card game can be played multiple ways. For preschool children, I enjoy having them draw a card and we go look for as many things that fit the description on the card as we can find (inside or out)!

• Chalk is a great open-ended way to create outside. Color rocks, concrete, the deck- anything that can be rinsed with water. This is a great way to practice drawing pictures of family, favorite animals, and practicing colors. One favorite activity is to draw roads or rivers to drive cars on, have dinosaurs swim in/stomp on the road, and ride tricycles on.

• Many stores feature themed spring books this time of year. Try to find something your child is interested in and help expand their vocabulary as you learn more about their interests together.

• Board games like "Chutes and Ladders," "Candy Land," and "Pop the Pig" are all well-loved games for this age. Other favorites include "Go Away Monster" and "Jenga" can also be fun with family and friends. For extra time outside, move your game outside on the porch, deck, picnic table, or on a blanket on the ground.

Early Elementary

• Many items for early elementary children are similar to those for younger children: bubbles, chalk, "Go Find It!" Simply expand on their experiences and encourage their play.

• "Go Find It!" can be played by drawing more than one card and having children find something that matches all the cards they drew. Use timers to increase difficulty.

• Outside yard games are great ways to engage with your older children and model language, problem solving skills, social skills, and getting to enjoy each other's company as they grow.

• Catching bugs, collecting rocks, and simply exploring the outdoors can be engaging for children and allows them to think critically while practicing communicating their findings with others. Use magnifying glasses, bug catching kits, and paints or art supplies to decorate rocks, or take a favorite book outside for fresh air while reading.

Promoting Language

No matter the age of your child, remember not to pressure them to respond or use particular words by saying "say...." or telling them they have to repeat what has been modeled. Above all else, we want your relationship with your child to deepen, regardless of the words they choose to use (or not use). For younger children, simply narrate what they are doing, you are doing, and talk about their experience. For preschoolers, ask them what they are creating, how items feel as they explore, and model for them by utilizing self-talk (asking yourself questions, talking to yourself about your child's experience). Older children can be encouraged to help read game rules, make up games, and be asked questions that cause them to problem solve and practice critical thinking skills.