Using Thrifted Books to Encourage Speech & Language (FEBRUARY)
I. love. thrifting. Who doesn’t? There is something about going thrifting and the thrill of not knowing what you’ll find that has always been really exciting to me (ESPECIALLY when you get a good deal.)
It’s been awhile *before I had kids* but over the past year, I’ve found this love again. Thrifting regularly has become an outlet – we all need one, right? I usually have a list of things I’m looking for when I thrift. But something I’m always thrifting for? books.
I’ve always been a book lover. As a young, new pediatric Speech Language Pathologist, I began to look for engaging and awesome kids books that I could use to target a variety of higher and lower level language goals. As a new mom, I loved getting to build my library for myself and my own kids. As a mom of two young kids who are 15 months apart, I have loved continuing to build our library with fun and engaging books that cater to their interests.
I am a firm believer that your kids are never to young to start reading to them. I have always used reading to my own kids to support a variety of their own developing language skills, and try to incorporate shared book reading into my therapy sessions with my patients whenever I can.
Another favorite thing of mine? Teaching parents of littles how to support their child’s language development during shared book reading.
This brings us here! My love of thrifting + reading + finding awesome kids books for my own kids and patients. Here are our favorite thrifted books of February & our WHY:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hide-and-Seek at the Construction Site
Hightlights has done it. It’s a Lift the Flap + Hide and Seek book designed to maintain your child’s interest and attention. This would be a great one for doctor’s offices, waiting rooms, etc. !
Winnie-the-Pooh’s GIANT Lift-the-Flap Book
It’s no secret that we love Winnie the Pooh. This was my son’s baby shower theme, first and most beloved stuffie, and main character of most of our stories. So a vintage themed Winnie the Pooh (actually giant) Lift the Flap book? say less. The clock page is our favorite.
Not Norman: A Goldfish Story
A beloved tale about a boy who learns to love his goldfish. Trust me on this one, it’s very cute. Bonus points: naturally targets negation.
Stormy Night
I have always tried to use books centered around my kids’ specific feelings or fears to relate to them. Thunderstorms are a great example of this! I was so excited to find this one. If you have a small one afraid of thunderstorms, this is for you.
Rabbit Ears
Very cute story about what it looks like to start to take responsibility by caring for yourself. We love the illustrations and the relatable favorite lovey. Major bonus points for providing easy and natural opportunities to talk about taking independence with daily hygiene!
Pop-Up Peekaboo! Monsters
We love the pop – up peekaboo books! These board books are so fun and engaging. Better than your typical pop up book with such cute pictures.
The opportunities for modeling language with these books are endless. Model core words on every page like open, up, out. Model gestalts like “look at that!” or “watch out!”
Not Quite Narwhal
I was SO EXCITED to find Not Quite Narwhal! We have checked out from the library several times, and both of my kids love.
Unique story, beautiful illustrations. The perfect add to your magical creatures collection.
Yes – it’s also a cute Netflix show but the book is worth it!
When I Grow Up
Cute take on the ‘when I grow up’ concept, complete with cute cut outs and bright colors.
Thunder Trucks
Okay this is already a part of our library but if you have a little who’s into trucks OR afraid of thunderstorms you need this book. Such a cute concept for thunderstorms, and bonus – it rhymes. Once again, trust me on it.
Encourage language by…
- Modeling spatial concepts (e.g., under, next to, over)
- DECREASE asking questions, INCREASE commenting (e.g., instead of “what is it?” model, “look that that truck!”
- Describing – using attributes like colors, sizes, or shapes to help describe items you’re searching for!
That’s it for this week! Let me know what you or your kids think if you add to your library.
Want to know some benefits of reading to your little one right from the start? Check this out!
