Games and Books To Encourage Your Toddler’s Language Development

Turn playtime into a fun way to learn new words with these games and books.

August 05, 2021

By: Amanda Mushro

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Photo By: Jodie Griggs

Develop Language Through Play

Is there anything sweeter than hearing your baby’s first words? All of those babbling "Mama," "Dada," and "Uh-ohs" will quickly turn into phrases and sentences when your baby becomes a toddler. Since toddlers learn through play, you can turn playtime into the perfect time to develop and introduce more words. So encourage your little one to get chatty with these games and books that you’ll enjoy as much as they do.

Sneaky Snacky Squirrel

With this fun game, kids can practice saying colors, directions, counting, as well as taking turns. There’s no reading required to play Sneaky Snacky Squirrel so younger players can jump in on the fun and get chatty with you. It’s designed for kids three and up, but kids as young as two can play a modified version with parents.

BUY IT: Amazon, $11.99

That's Not My Puppy

The entire "That’s Not My" series encourages your toddler to touch the pages, repeat the basic vocabulary, and anticipate what comes next. They will love when you read this book to them and there are plenty of other books in the series that you can add to your child’s library.

BUY IT: Amazon, $12.71

Touch and Feel Picture Cards

While regular flashcards can seem boring and not interest your toddler, these Touch and Feel Picture cards are a great way to get your little one talking. Each card has brightly colored pictures and textures — like a fuzzy duck, a smooth stone, and shiny heart. From colors and shapes, first words, animals, and things that go, you can start a library of cards that will encourage your toddler to say more words. Once your toddler has mastered the single words, the back of the cards are full of additional prompts, questions, and translations to keep the conversations going.

BUY IT: Amazon, $8.07

Frankie's Food Truck Fiasco

While this game focuses on shape matching, you can also get your toddler talking about colors and food. Practice new words while taking turns and working on fine motor skills, too. You can set this game up quickly and will be a fan favorite of kids and parents.

BUY IT: Amazon, $17.59

Counting Kisses

This sweet book is full of colorful pages, basic vocabulary, and adjectives that may be new to your toddler. The repetitive counting is great practice for your child and the simple sentences will encourage your child to put together more phrases when they read along with you.

BUY IT: Amazon, $7.18

Suuuper Size Memory Game

The large pictures and easy to follow rules make this memory game fun for your toddler all while they practice talking and stretch their memory skills.

BUY IT: Amazon, $19.18

Brown Bear Brown Bear

This classic book is a must-have for your toddler’s library. Any of Eric Carle’s children’s books are designed to help toddlers develop language with simple phrases and repetition.

BUY IT: Amazon, $5.00

Pop the Pig

This silly game will make your kids giggle as they practice their colors and take turns. You can introduce new words while you play to describe the Pig getting full with food.

BUY IT: Amazon, $22.64

Duck Duck Dance

Get your toddlers moving and grooving while they play Duck Duck Dance. While they play, they are working on counting, sequencing, and mimicking words — plus they may work up a sweat from all their sweet dance moves.

BUY IT: Amazon, $17.99

Where is Baby’s Belly Button?

Your toddler can play peek-a-boo with this interactive book all while learning body parts. Read to your baby and let them lift the flap to discover the baby's arm, leg, and of course belly button. This is a part of a great series you’ll want for your toddler’s bedtime reading.

BUY IT: Amazon, $4.98

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 7 Great Books to Teach Kids About Climate Change, 6 Educational Games You Can Buy For Back-to-School Learning At Home, 12 Children’s Books About Race

Games and Books To Encourage Your Toddler’s Language Development

Related To:

Shop This Look

Develop Language Through Play

Sneaky Snacky Squirrel

That's Not My Puppy

Touch and Feel Picture Cards

Frankie's Food Truck Fiasco

Counting Kisses

Suuuper Size Memory Game

Brown Bear Brown Bear

Pop the Pig

Duck Duck Dance

Where is Baby’s Belly Button?

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