Support special interests with:


307240 – Dinosaur Wooden Characters


842141 – Superhero Wooden Characters


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Special interests to the rescue


Following special interests is a great way to expand language as toddlers will be engaged and eager to interact. Talking about favourite topics triggers feel-good hormones that strengthen neural connections associated with language development. Try the following with your little ones.


1. Create inviting play scenes – with props and natural materials.


2. Have back-and-forth conversations – point out details and ask open-ended questions.


3. Give them time to respond – showing enthusiasm for their answers. Feeling heard boosts confidence in using new words.


Imagine that!


Imaginative play with small-world props in enchanting set-ups is a fantastic way to support speech and language development. Speaking through props reduces self-consciousness, making talking more fluid. Help bring the characters to life by modelling sentence structures.


1. Use open-ended questions – ‘Who are these people?’, ‘Where do you think they’re going?’


2. Expand on ideas – ‘Fishing? What might they need to take?’


3. Narrate during play – ‘This man is called Steve, and he’s going on holiday to Spain!’


4. Introduce new vocabulary – ‘I hope he’s packed his swimming trunks and sun cream!’


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Support mud kitchen play with: 820890 – Sensory Play Stones: Fruit 820891 – Sensory Play Stones: Vegetables 802006 – Outdoor Muddy Play Kit


About Mitch


Mitch is a Product Developer at Yellow Door Education and former Montessori Teacher/Nursery Nurse.


Recipe for success


The sensory-rich environment of a mud kitchen is perfect for boosting toddlers’ language. The textures, smells and sounds create a calming space that encourages communication. Vestibular movements like stirring, pouring and mixing stimulate brain areas that drive the urge to talk. At the same time, messy play sparks curiosity and storytelling – the perfect mix to cook up new vocabulary!


1. Provide what they’ll need – aprons, chef hats, play food, herbs, pots, and menus


2. Introduce new words – using the Three Period Lesson


3. Role play – as a chef or customer to encourage back-and-forth talk


4. Use exciting words – like squelch, plop, and splash to support speech


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4. Repeat and extend – what they say. ‘He’s a T-Rex? Wow! Look at his huge, spiky teeth and enormous legs!’


Support imaginative play with:


309472 – Little People Like Me Families


427317 – Little Lands: Houses


308677 – Play Bridge 807495 – Rustic Pourers


Shop Little Learners products and more at ypo.co.uk/earlyyears


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