Calm & Quiet Tip #2 Cont. -- Language Bonus

Last time we talked about the sensory benefit of the rice box activity, but it is also a great way to work on language.  Here's a learning nugget I forgot to mention last time:  The more senses involved in an activity, the stronger the learning because more neural pathways are being effected (e.g., touch, sight, smell, etc.).

When choosing objects to put in the box, pick things that you think your child should recognize or that you want them to say.  Here are some examples of items I often put in my rice box:

• Toothbrush
• Cup
• Spoon
• Comb
• Dog
• Cow
• Cat
• Dinosaur
• Small book
• Banana
• Apple
• Dish
• Baby bottle
• Mom figurine
• Dad figurine
• Car

I use a lot of toys from the Fisher Price Little People sets, e.g., dog, mom, bed, dad, baby, etc.

To stimulate language, make lots of sounds (car horn, sipping from a cup, animal sounds, pouring sounds, etc.).  Choose different objects and ask your child to what they are. 

To work on their understanding, ask them to hand you an item such as the cup.  Bury items and ask them "Where did the dog go?" and help them find the object.  It is VERY important to work on your child's understanding.  Children who understand more are able to use more words.  Does that make sense?  In order to use a word, a child has to understand it first.  Is that clearer?  While imitating words is good, that word is useless if they don't understand what it means.

I hope that you will try these activities with your child.  Please post any questions that you might have regarding this activity or language development in young children.