10 Fun Tools for Enhancing Listening and Speech/Language Development

Listening and talking are definitely something we take for granted. The intricacies, muscles and cognitive processes involved in listening and speaking are miraculous to say the least. Listening requires focus and attention whereas talking requires an understanding of sounds, then words and even later grammar and higher level cognitive processes. Here is a general overview of the developmental milestones to better understand the stages of listening and speech/language development:

Birth-3 months

3-6 months

6-12 months

1-2 years

2-3 years

3-4 years

4-5 years

We can enhance our children’s listening and talking skills as they grow through many fun and educational tools. Here are 10 fun tools for enhancing listening, speech and language:

1. WhisperPhone- Helps children listen to and focus on the sounds they say. It emphasizes the sound produced as it minimizes noise.

2. WhisperPhone Duet- A DUET keeps classrooms quieter by creating an acoustically clear connection between two readers.

3. Earobics- Uses high-tech graphics to help older clients master phonological awareness skills they need to become stronger readers and spellers.

4. Hear & Go Seek- Fun games about different sounds (animals, everyday, alphabet and rhyming) that encourage listening.  

5. Look At Us Mirror - Mirror was specifically designed for working on speech and language skills while encouraging proper sound, lip position and tongue control.

6. Talking Speech Therapy Mirror - Stores prerecorded messages that can be changed as often as needed. 

7. Talk Point-Set of 5- Simple buttons record and replay up to 10 seconds of clear sound. Use for activity instructions, reminder messages, word or sound practice, math fact exercises, speech therapy and more.

8. Just Cards!- Help with the skills of describing and associations which facilitate word retrieval and vocabulary.

9. Talk It Out (For Teens)- Designed to get teens talking, this game supports the therapeutic process by addressing cognitive, emotional and behavioral issues that affect adolescents. And it’s fun!

10. Pull-Talk- Hand-held device that features 5 clear pockets (in which to put your own images, words or photos) and a detachable, retractable belt clip. Benefits include improvements in communication skills, independence and self confidence.

What are some of your favorite listening and talking tools?