The New Language of Toys-Teaching Communication Skills to Children with Special Needs

Abstract

The New Language of Toys-Teaching Communication Skills to Children with Special Needs, 3rd Edition, by Sue Schwartz, Bethesda, MD, Woodbine House Inc., 2004, 332 pp., $18.95. The New Language of Toys by Sue Schwartz is a refreshing book, written with a clarity and simplicity that makes easy reading for anyone who spends any time with children. It is a great tool for parents, both new and experienced, and child care professionals. As a new mother and a resident in Pediatrics, I found this to be a great resource, both at home and in the Pediatric continuity care clinics. The author scaffolds the book on a framework that is very practical and logical. She begins by addressing basic concepts of language and its development in children, reviews the association between play and learning in young children, discusses "Toy Dialogs," and then divides chapters into different age ranges. This volume further provides a framework for parents to evaluate their child's development in various domains for each age range and for parents of children with special needs to identify areas of need. This book helps emphasize the value of play in emotional, physical, social, and cognitive development and growth of a child. The sections on "Toy Dialog" and addressing the need of age appropriate toys for each age range were most illuminating. The subsection of each chapter of "Toy Dialog" called Homemade Toys is particularly useful in making suggestions for families of limited means in cultural competent ways. I also felt the interactive dialog is a great help for parents to understand the appropriate use of language, while trying to play with a new toy with their child. At the end of each chapter, the author exceptionally summarizes not only the toys, vocabulary, concepts, and books that are age-appropriate but also provides a table for recording a child's developmental milestones. At the end of the book, I particularly liked the section on opportunistic teachable moments for language throughout the day at home. What a treasure for any caregiver! The chapter on computer technology is a strong reflection on how we must educate ourselves regarding the ever changing world of technology that our children grasp and use with such ease. Technology is an integral part of most of the toys our children are exposed to today and there is good advice on how to use technology to help children with special needs. The author also addresses the role of media and how we can use exposure to television, videotapes, and DVDs in the learning process for a child. The section on "Toy Safety" is as critical as the advice on helmets, bicycle, and seat-belt safety we provide to parents. The book ends with a wealth of resource information that in itself is well worth the nominal price for this volume. The wonderful action color photographs are an excellent visual recap of this fine book. The main critique I have is that I feel that reading with children should have been suggested in the first months of life. As pediatricians, we emphasize early reading to infants to enhance quality of caregiver-child time, to stimulate interest in books, and to promote language development and school readiness. But in this book, the author introduces books in a toy dialog at the end of 18 to 24 months. In summary, I believe this to be a "must-have" addition to the collection of any childcare center, public library, and pediatric professional's office. It is a valuable resource for parents and professionals alike that will open our eyes to the wonder of the world of toys and their valuable role in the development of our children. Shibani Kanungo, M.D., M.P.H. Neelkamal Soares, M.D. Department of Pediatrics Stony Brook University Hospital Stony Brook, New York