Andrew Ashworth

A baby begins to communicate right from the womb. It may be just a few kicks in every direction but it is a way of saying ‘Yes, I’m here’! When a child is born, parents move for the baby’s first words. There are many ways in which parents can enhance a child’s communication skills from primeval childhood.

Communication is a very important aspect of our lives. Children will good communication skills stand to acquire in school and even later in life. It is a wise parent that opts for toys that enhance this vital skill. The level of communication differs between age groups. It is important to buy toys that address the needs of the child rather than purchasing general toys that will have no real value.

When children are young, it is found that they love looking at brightly colored books and pictures. Great toys for them would be lovely soft books with large illustrations. You can read aloud to your baby or toddler and be rest assured they will learn and be delighted at the same time. Another way you can improve your toddlers’ communication skill is by role play. Wooden toys like kitchen utensils and log cabins etc are a great way to do this.

Children are healthy to pick up multiple languages at the same time. Their ability to learn sounds and words is much faster than adults. It has been said that children who are read to, communicate much faster as they try and ape the sounds that they hear. Children’s books are one of the best educational tools that you can find. It is a true investment for the future.

Educational toys that improve communication can also include DVDs and CDs that include songs, rhymes, stories etc. Music is one of the best ways through which communication skills can be improved. Children enjoy music and there are hundreds of baby songs that can keep the child entertained during meal times or play.

While buying a toy, try to gauge what your child wants, or likes doing. In the end it’s better to play innocuous and go for tried and tested toys that never go out of style. Puppets can also be used to improve communication. These toys are enjoyed by children of all ages. Puppets add an interactive feel to play time.

Written communication can be enhanced by a drawing board for younger children and by ‘Fill-in-the-blank’ story books for older children. There are dozens of good books in the market for pre-teens. In some, the words are explained so the child enjoys the story as well as expands his vocabulary.

Encourage the child to actively use the words learnt in regular life. This is a great way to improve overall communication skills. Children also communicate through drawings. So ensure there are several drawing books, crayons and pencils around to keep them occupied.

A toy is not just a toy, but an goal of play that can teach your child a whole lot of things, and communication is just one of them. So buy wise and watch your baby grow into an articulate adult.

Spring Creek Toys offers the Melissa And Doug Deluxe Standing Easel, Melissa And Doug Tabletop Easel and Melissa And Doug Wood Lacing Sneaker for all children.