Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) can affect how a child understands what’s said to them, how they express themselves, and how they use language in social settings. Whether your child needs a bit of extra support or has a diagnosed speech and language need, numerous playful and engaging resources are available to help.
Here are some brilliant finds, available online or on the high street, that help build confidence, spark conversation and make communication more fun at home.
Mr. Potato Head
A classic for a reason. Mr. Potato Head is fantastic for naming body parts, following instructions and making silly stories together. Children love mixing up the pieces, and it’s a brilliant prompt for talk.
Available at Argos
Melissa & Doug Wooden Cutting Food Set
Pretend play is a brilliant way to introduce action words like “slice”, “cut”, and “serve”. This set also helps with naming fruits and vegetables and using language around meals and routines.
Available at John Lewis & Partners
Talking Photo Albums
These clever albums let you record speech alongside each photo or image. They are brilliant for building vocabulary, sequencing stories and practising key words. You can use them for daily routines, family names, step-by-step instructions or favourite places. Anything meaningful to your child becomes a prompt for talk.
Available at Talking Products
Book: “Oi Frog!” by Kes Gray and Jim Field
This hilarious rhyming story is full of silly sentences and language play, perfect for exploring rhyming sounds and word endings. Great for joining in, predicting, and giggling together.
Available at Amazon
Toys for Talking Picture Packs
These clever little kits combine toys, storybooks, and themed picture cards to prompt discussion and build language naturally through play. Designed by a speech and language therapist, they’re perfect for home use.
Available at Toys for Talking
Mixmups
Mixmups is a vibrant stop-motion series on Channel 5's Milkshake that celebrates diversity and imaginative play. The show follows three friends named Pockets, Giggle and Spin on magical adventures using their Mixing Box to explore new worlds. Each character brings unique abilities, with Giggle using a wheelchair and Pockets being partially sighted, promoting inclusion and representation. The episodes encourage language development through storytelling, problem-solving, and interactive dialogue, making them a brilliant choice for children with speech, language, and communication needs.
Watch it on Channel 5's Milkshake
Black Sheep Press Speech Sound Stories
If your child is working on particular sounds, these fun story packs can help. They include simple activities and engaging stories to practise target sounds in context.
Available at Black Sheep Press
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to communication. However, these products are both playful and practical, making a real difference when used regularly at home. Whether it’s five minutes with a book or a game over dinner, every chat counts. Keep talking, keep playing, and see how the connection grows.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general interest and should not be considered medical, therapeutic or educational advice. Families are encouraged to seek support from qualified professionals regarding individual needs or concerns.
