The Power of Learning Through Play

Have you ever wondered what toys to use with your child who is deaf or hard of hearing that can help grow their listening and talking skills? Which toys best support a child’s development? As a parent, you want to provide your child with the “right” toys to grow their brain but maybe you aren’t sure which ones are the best.

But what if we told you that it isn’t about the toy? And in fact, it’s about how you — the parent — make meaningful moments during playtime.

For parents with children with hearing loss, there are Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) strategies to use to make playtime an effective time for listening and language learning, with or without toys.

Playtime is how babies learn about themselves, other people, and the world around them. It helps to build confidence, relationships, and basic skills. It’s also an important bonding time for the two of you. That means the best toy to grow your baby's brain for listening and talking is YOU and your engaging interactions during play.

Here are some tips and suggestions for how to play the LSL way to make playtime learning time.

Follow your child’s lead. Sit with them and observe what they’re playing with or interested in. Talk about what they’re doing and join in! Your child may surprise you with what they do — part of the fun is learning more about your child’s emerging interests and skills.
Imitate what they’re doing. If they’re stacking blocks or putting dolls in the car, you do the same. Then talk about what they’re doing. “Wow look how tall that tower is! You put another block on top and it’s even taller!!”
Use LSL strategies to emphasize learning. Hear It Before You See It and Play-By-Play are just two strategies that can be used to help you play the LSL way!
- Hear It Before You See It is when you let your child hear a sound or word before you show them the object. You’re providing ear contact before eye contact! Another name for this is "audition first," and it will build strong listening skills.
- Play-By-Play is when you act like a sports commentator and give a play-by-play description about everything that’s happening. You’re putting words to what’s going on around them. Talk, talk, talk, and talk some more about what your child is experiencing.

While playtime activities will change as they grow, you can continue to work with your early intervention team to include LSL strategies as you play and your little one learns! Remember, it's not about the toy. It's about how you use toys, or simple household items like an empty cardboard box or pots & pans, with LSL strategies to engage with your child in whatever they're interested in.

Click the links below to get more ideas about ways to play with your little one to build their listening and language skills!

The Best Toys for Kids to Learn to Talk. Hint - they’re not what you think!

Download Transcript

Teaching Through Playtime

Download Transcript

Related Resources

How to Turn Your Baby into a Little Listener and Talker

A parent who has a child with hearing loss can teach their child to become a great listener with a powerful...

Article 5 min read

The Best Way to Grow Your Baby's Brain: It's Your Turn!

Did You Know? Harvard researchers use the phrase “serve and return” to describe the back and forth...

Article 2 min read

Musical Fun with Bright Babies

This handout provides tips for making music part of your baby's life

Handout 1 min read

Water Play with Bright Babies

This handout offers activities and strategies for making the most out of listening and language with...

Handout 2 min read

Backyard Fun with Bright Babies

This handout offers tips for building listening, language and early literacy skills with your baby right...

Handout 1 min read

Passport to Fun: Ideas for Building Vocabulary Through Summer Play

Summer’s bursting with new adventures for your little explorer, but coming up with fresh ideas every...

Article 5 min read

Playful Tips to Make a Splash in Your Child’s Development

Let’s Play the LSL Way: Water Fun Did you know that playtime is how little ones learn? It’s true! During...

Article 4 min read

Backyard Adventures and Outdoor Fun for Listening and Learning

Let’s Play the LSL Way: Backyard Fun Playing outside offers little ones so much: fresh air and sunshine...

Article 4 min read

The Magic of Music and Playtime for Little Ones with Hearing Loss

Let’s Play the LSL Way: Musical Fun There’s a reason babies and young children LOVE music! Songs and...

Article 4 min read

Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons

Your journey begins with First LSL Lessons – designed to equip parents with the knowledge and confidence...

Article 4 min read

Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Download a printable version of this resource here . Playtime opens up a world of opportunities for...

Article 5 min read

Let’s Get Ready: Daycare for a Child with Hearing Loss

Is your baby with hearing loss starting daycare or childcare with a caregiver? Parents often have unanswered...

Article 4 min read

The Power of LSL Learning Through Play

LSL in Your Inbox

Related Resources

How to Turn Your Baby into a Little Listener and Talker

The Best Way to Grow Your Baby's Brain: It's Your Turn!

Musical Fun with Bright Babies

Water Play with Bright Babies

Backyard Fun with Bright Babies

Passport to Fun: Ideas for Building Vocabulary Through Summer Play

Playful Tips to Make a Splash in Your Child’s Development

Backyard Adventures and Outdoor Fun for Listening and Learning

The Magic of Music and Playtime for Little Ones with Hearing Loss

Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons

Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Let’s Get Ready: Daycare for a Child with Hearing Loss

Connect with parents who have been down this path before.

The Power of LSL Learning Through Play

Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons

LSL in Your Inbox

Related Resources

How to Turn Your Baby into a Little Listener and Talker

The Best Way to Grow Your Baby's Brain: It's Your Turn!

Musical Fun with Bright Babies

Water Play with Bright Babies

Backyard Fun with Bright Babies

Passport to Fun: Ideas for Building Vocabulary Through Summer Play

Playful Tips to Make a Splash in Your Child’s Development

Backyard Adventures and Outdoor Fun for Listening and Learning

The Magic of Music and Playtime for Little Ones with Hearing Loss

Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons

Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Let’s Get Ready: Daycare for a Child with Hearing Loss

Connect with parents who have been down this path before.

Sign In or Register