Spring Language & Literacy Books & Toys

 

There are many spring themed books and toys that may be used as therapeutic tools in speech-language therapy sessions with children. Speech-language pathologists may select the suggested resources recommended below in weekly therapy sessions. I prefer to have a variety of fiction books, toys, and activities ready to use. I often provide children a choice of 2-3 books, and have them select the one that they would like to hear read aloud. This helps keep preschool or elementary school aged children engaged when they have an active role in selecting the book.

Here are some suggested spring themed books:

Quiet Bunny’s Many Colors by Lisa McCue

This book has vibrant illustrations and a good message that teaches children that everyone is unique and that they should embrace their own individuality. The story is about a little bunny who loves spring and goes on an adventure discovering all the different colors of spring in the forest. He is amazed about all the various colors from the yellow dandelions, green lily pads, blueberries, and red tulips in the forest. Along his forest adventures, he wishes he could be more colorful until he meets a wise owl that reminds him that he is already special!

Therapy Ideas: Labeling (nouns, verbs, adjectives), Descriptions, Adjectives, Sequencing, Story Retell, Problem/Solution, Character Traits, Listening Comprehension

 

Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson

Many children enjoy this series of books. Bear awakens in the spring from his long winter sleep and he is hungry. First he nibbles on fresh blades of grass, but that doesn’t satisfy his appetite. His forest friends help him find more spring snacks. He enjoys the berries, clovers, fresh fish from the pond, and honey cakes. His friends even plan a spring party in his cave. There’s just one problem that needs solving for him to enjoy the party with his friends. What will they do?

Therapy Ideas: Sequencing, Story Retell, Problem/Solution, Character Traits, Listening Comprehension

Hooray for Birds by Lucy Cousins

This is an engaging and practical book for early language learners. Children are invited to imagine that they are birds. They see many species of birds busy in their natural habitats from morning time until night. They see a rooster, woodpecker, swan, parrot, starling, flamingo, peacock, flamingo, rooster, red robin, hummingbird, penguin, ostrich, peacock, and a night owl! Children will be focused on the colorful illustrations skillfully done by Lucy Cousins.

Therapy Ideas: Following Directions, Label nouns and verbs, Descriptions, Similarities, Differences, Build simple sentences

In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming

This is an ideal book for early language learners who are learning basic vocabulary and how to communicate verbally and/or with AAC. This book also sparks children to imagine walking in the grass like the boy on the front cover. What are some living things that they might discover during the day? They will see caterpillars, hummingbirds, bees, birds, ants, snakes, moles, beetles, frogs, beetles, bunnies, fireflies, and even bats! Speech-language pathologists can pause during an interactive read aloud and have kids name the insects, birds, or animals. They can repeat simple sentences such as “I see the _________” , “I like the ____________” or “I don’t like the _____________.”

Therapy Ideas: Label nouns and verbs, Descriptions, Rhyming, Build simple sentences, Sequencing

Here are some suggested toys to use after an interactive read aloud and during follow up speech/language therapy sessions to build communication and language skills.

Melissa & Doug Insect Puzzle

Melissa & Doug Fishing Game

Lucky Ducks Game

Jumping Jack Game

These books and games may be used effectively in speech/language therapy to build skills in children with speech/language impairment, autism, learning disability, and/or intellectual impairment.

Guess What? There is a Spring Language & Literacy Contest today on Instagram. You may just have a chance to win one of these items or another great spring themed book or activity depicted in the IG contest photo.

These are a few other effective books with a spring theme that you may check out at your local library or purchase:

Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter by Wendi Silvano

*You may win this book and literacy companion in the IG contest!

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Chick by Lucille Colandro

Rain Drop Plop! by Wendy Lewison

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Pete the Cat and the Cool Caterpillar by James Dean

Spring for Sophie by Yael Werber

Pete the Cat: Big Easter Adventure by James Dean

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog by Lucille Colandro

Stay Connected to @buildingsuccessfullives on Instagram for contest details.

 

 

 

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