Potato Party: Incorporating Language into Playtime
Play is one of the best ways for kids to learn, which is why playtime is a great time to incorporate language learning. A common toy that works really well for language learning is a Potato Head!
Kami L. Sammetinger M.S., CF-SLP
Play is one of the best ways for kids to learn, which is why playtime is a great time to incorporate language learning. A common toy that works really well for language learning is a Potato Head!
How can you use a Potato Head?
A Potato Head is a very open-ended toy with a lot of options, which allows your kiddo to use their imagination while they play. When your child plays with a Potato Head, you have the opportunity to help them learn to label so many things, including:
- sizes
- colors
- shapes
- actions
- locations
- accessories
- occupations
- family members/animals
There are so many possibilities when it comes to this toy! This is also why it’s important to always offer options to your child when they play with this toy. Offering choices between two to three different options allows for independent expression, expressing choices, and focusing on choices.
What can we target?
From a speech-language pathologist’s point of view, we can target these areas when playing with a Potato Head:
- Requesting
- Examples: “More please” or “Help me”
- Body Parts
- This includes eyes, arms, ears, nose, etc.
- Labeling Objects
- Examples: glasses, hats, earrings, purses
- Offering Objects
- Example: “Do you want the blue hat or the purple hat?”
- Following Directions
- Adapt direction length to development level (2-step directions, 3-step directions, etc.)
- Imaginary Play Skills
- Expanding Expressions
We hope these tips help you find ways to include language learning in your child’s playtime! A Potato Head works great, but other toys that you have on hand can offer the same benefits, too. For more tips and tricks, check out our other blog posts!
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s speech development, please don’t hesitate to contact Hogg Therapy Associates! You can contact us by phone at 859-353-3666 or visit our website here.
![We’ve loved seeing your stories roll in over the past couple weeks and wanted to share one of our own, thanks to therapists Lauren & Maya and their friend Tiffany. ❤️
Last week, OT Ms. Lauren and ST Ms. Maya accompanied Tiffany on a HUGE adventure, attending the Special Needs Camp of Kentucky for activities, friendship, and growth ? Headquartered in Bath County, SNCKI is free to attend, with nearly 100 campers enrolled this year! Ms. Lauren shared her thoughts with the HTP team when she got home: “The other campers welcomed [Tiffany] with open arms, and she made so many new friends…A space where 76 teens/adults with disabilities of all kinds were free to just be them and make those connections with each other while having tons of fun. We have had moments that were trickier to navigate, but we did it together.”
One of the nights was family and community night, featuring a group dance and a talent showcase. ?Lauren said, “The amount of love and support in the gym was out of this world. For her mom to see that, to know that we’ve got her girl no matter what, means more than any treatment code or note I could ever write. She is already asking when she gets to come back…and even told her mom to ‘buy a new house at camp’? If you are not already, follow Special Needs Connections of Kentucky, Inc on facebook. They are doing such AMAZING things for our community here and deserve so much support.” ? We couldn’t agree more!
Therapy isn’t about treatment codes, billable hours, documentation, or recertification. It’s about the meaningful moments and the love we pour into these children every single day. This is why Hogg Therapy exists—to give every child the opportunity to experience a meaningful, joyful life. ✨ Thank you, Lauren and Maya for your support both in and outside of the clinic and for sharing this story! ?](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/747807719_18212073508337241_9129116297997701917_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=YQTZF8KmrEEQ7kNvwFIY6CT&_nc_oc=AdoVE_Rvhy4T-HLjLvHiZLG9vBbtSeJ4Dbk2SLgM5xwrWDnipvYDUpl3pdnrjk8KfLA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=5oBVWjv__0eInPNRH8Kjvw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQJo6ad25xWGd5aRxGou97rA4wS2w76OvBlsjIRMUOmLnX1vr-WW99EQI2F0XlLdmSXKPXwIC-gFXg&oh=00_AQFxIq7Sp10kjvUtbrWOKLGz788HA1NGXAbLQ3SJcC9bLQ&oe=6A8D444A)
![We’re sharing an occupational therapy success story from OT Mrs. Abby today! ? Meet Grayson! When he first started occupational therapy, everyday life felt hard. He was experiencing significant picky eating, struggled with daily routines and transitions, and had a difficult time managing big emotions.
Since then, Grayson has put in so much hard work. Through OT, he has built confidence, strengthened his self-regulation skills, and learned to take on new and challenging tasks with courage. Every small step has added up to something truly amazing! One of the biggest reasons for Grayson’s success has been the incredible partnership with his parents. They fully embraced therapy beyond the clinic by consistently practicing strategies at home through his Home Exercise Program (HEP). Their dedication, encouragement, and willingness to try new approaches have made all the difference.
Today, Grayson is trying new foods every week, navigating daily routines with greater independence, and enjoying more successful, joyful moments with his family. His growth is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a determined child, committed caregivers, and a supportive therapy team work together.
?Congratulations, Grayson! We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we’re celebrating your amazing parents, too. Your hard work, perseverance, and teamwork are inspiring! ?
[This story & all photos shared with parent permission ??] #occupationaltherapy #hoggtherapypediatrics #hoggtherapy #feedingtherapy](https://scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/742695277_18211398901337241_3568386461214310976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=IldVya9aWWMQ7kNvwFcVgtE&_nc_oc=AdqJCUGccT0c7197fhARAID-UgM5b-T3dTLdYUmRcFS1ZGMJ9iWnSt_J5mxDsVP1xjQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=5oBVWjv__0eInPNRH8Kjvw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQJdeF82ODSeBFtQJ83VCYnnup817T2dfKQrV1UXpqVlb9VIuULocVW-NaAxlkShfBF_Q5o5DAsLsw&oh=00_AQHPMOWt3RF3BS_lEMJ6iQHKFYxJq83ombFBQMvtRBWsFA&oe=6A8D22CE)
