Oral-motor development in children is important for developing speech and oral motor skills. Oral-motor refers to the movement and coordination of the muscles around the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and jaw. Children can improve speech, sound pronunciation, coordination, and fluency by strengthening and training their oral-motors. Some types of children's toys can train oral-motor and help develop speech skills.
7 Types of Children's Toys That Can Train Children's Oral-motor
1. Water Bubble Toy
Water bubble toys can be a good choice for oral-motor training. The child can try blowing up a water bubble with his mouth. Blowing motions and controlling airflow can help strengthen the mouth muscles.
2. Sounding Musical Instruments
Musical toys such as a harmonica, small flute, or other sounding musical instruments can also train children's motor skills. Children need to adjust and move their mouths and control their breathing to produce the sound they want when using this musical instrument. This involves working the muscles of the mouth and helps develop speech.
3. Dolls or Collectible Figures
Playing with dolls or collectible figures with accessories or clothing that can be removed and put on can train a child's fine skills in using his fingers. For example, a child can try putting a hat on a doll or putting clothes on a figure. This subtle movement will involve the muscles of the fingers and hands and help improve fine motor coordination.
4. Puzzle Game
Puzzle games such as puzzles with pieces that must be arranged can also train children's motor skills. As children try to fit the puzzle pieces together one by one, they will use subtle finger movements and hand-eye coordination. This helps develop control of the fine muscles in the hands and fingers.
5. Cooking Game
Playing cooking games with kitchen toys or food toys also involves important oral-motor movements. Children can practice chewing and imitate chewing fake food, or mixing the dough can help strengthen the jaw and mouth muscles and develop speech coordination.
6. Storytelling Games
Storytelling games using dolls, toy animals, or cartoon characters can also train children's motor skills. Children can practice speaking, expressing emotions, or playing with character voices. This will involve lip, tongue, and voice movements that can help improve speech and fluency.
7. Toys that Make Sounds
Some children's toys have buttons or parts that you can press to make a sound. Toys such as toy phones, keyboards, or other electronic toys can involve a child's oral-motor movements when they press buttons or make sounds with their mouths.
It is important to remember that these toys are just tools, and it is important to have adult supervision while the child is playing. Also, make sure the toys are safe and age-appropriate.
Providing access to various types of toys that train oral-motor can help children develop speech and oral-motor skills in a fun and varied ways. Remember to provide adequate time and opportunities for children to play and practice their oral-motor skills naturally.