The SLP Cafe: where SLP ideas brew
Toddler Speech Evaluation Toys
When evaluating speech and language skills in young children, selecting the right toys for a play-based evaluation can make a huge difference. I rely on engaging, multi-functional toys that spark natural language, joint attention, and early play skills—all while keeping the child motivated and comfortable in the therapy environment.
Alexandra N
5/11/20252 min read
Barn with Animals: A classic barn and animal set is perfect for building a range of early language skills, including labeling, sound play, and early pretend play. I use it to model animal sounds (“Moo!” “Neigh!” “Baa!”) and simple phrases like “Go in!” “Come out!” and “Let’s open it!” It’s also great for building receptive language as kids learn to identify and group animals by type, size, or color. I like this specific farm because it doesn't make sounds and the kids love figuring out the locks!
LINK: https://amzn.to/3F2e1e9
Piggy Bank with Coins: this piggy bank toy with colorful coins is not only excellent for early fine motor skills but I love it for speech because it is cause-and-effect, and fosters early language development like the core words "go" "in" "out". It’s also a great way to assess understanding of basic concepts like numbers, colors, and turn-taking. Plus, the clinking sound of the coins is a natural reinforcer for many kids. LINK: https://amzn.to/4m5LLI9
Bubbles: Bubbles are a must-have for early intervention. They’re simple, inexpensive, and packed with language opportunities. I use them to model early gestures, joint attention, and repetitive phrases like “Pop it!” “Up!” “More bubbles!” and “Ready, set, go!” Bubbles also help gauge a child’s ability to request, imitate, and follow simple directions. When my evaluations get a little long and the kiddo gets restless or we need a toy to catch their attention, bubbles is the way to go every time. I like these tiny bubbles because it's no big deal if they spill. LINK: https://amzn.to/4d7LHU8
Insert Puzzle: Insert puzzles with simple, chunky shapes are fantastic for testing fine motor skills, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. They also provide opportunities for labeling, matching, and concept-building with phrases like “Find the circle,” “Put it in,” and “Where does it go?” You can even target early spatial concepts like “on top” or “next to” as the child explores different puzzle pieces. I will bring in a sensory bin and hide the puzzle pieces in that to grab the little kiddos attention and see their reactions when they find the matching pieces. LINK: https://amzn.to/3F6NXyt
💡 Why These Toys Work for Speech & Language Evaluations
Each of these toys is versatile, engaging, and naturally encourages the types of interactions that reveal a child’s current speech and language abilities. They help me assess joint attention, turn-taking, symbolic play, and early expressive language—all without putting pressure on the child. Stay tuned for more toy recommendations and ideas for making speech therapy evaluations fun, functional, and play-based.
