The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention

Hey Friends~ 
Would you love for your child to learn another language, but wonder how to help when you don’t speak it yourself?  You can begin learning together, and everyday moments offer a place to start.
In this episode, fellow speech-language pathologist Lindsey joins me to explore how parents can introduce another language through the things their little ones are already doing, noticing, and caring about.
Where do you begin? You might think of colors, counting, or the alphabet, but Lindsey shares a different starting point, one that follows your child’s interests and fits naturally into the rhythm of your day.
In this conversation, we explore:
How to get started without being fluent yourself.
What to focus on BEFORE colors, numbers, and letters.
How everyday interactions create opportunities for language learning.
Why these ideas are also useful for children still learning their first language.
Whether you’re introducing Spanish or supporting your toddler’s first words, this episode will help you recognize opportunities to connect, practice, and learn together.
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play
WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/
WAITLIST:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/waitlist
ABOUT THE GUEST:   Lindsey Carleton, MA, CCC-SLP, is a bilingual, licensed speech-language pathologist with over 11 years of clinical experience and the founder of Palabra Garden, a Montessori-inspired bilingual curriculum for kids ages 2–5. Not a native or heritage Spanish speaker, Lindsey learned it in college and through clinical work with bilingual families — and now helps parents raise bilingual kids without being fluent themselves. 
 
CONTACT THE GUEST:  
Company Name: Palabra Garden
Website: palabragarden.com
Email: hello@palabragarden.com
Socials: @PalabraGarden on Facebook and Instagram
We offer freebies/printables to get families started at palabragarden.com/freebie
I'd like to offer listeners a discount on our 12 month curriculum so please enter the discount code: LANGUAGEOFPLAY at checkout for 15% off
 
 IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
07 How Language is Learned in a Dual Language Home
08 Bilingual Kids and Speaking Delays in Multi-Language Households
220 What Does “A Language Rich Environment” Really Mean?
 
Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
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To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

Hey Friends~ 
How many words should your 2-year-old be saying? There are developmental norms - and those numbers matter. But words don’t come out of nowhere. There are foundational communication skills developing underneath spoken language that help those words grow.
In this episode, we’ll talk about what’s typical at age two, what actually builds vocabulary, and where to focus when words are slow to come. You’ll leave knowing what to pay attention to and some simple ways to encourage more meaningful language in everyday life.
In this episode:
How many words we expect from a 2-year-old
What builds language before and alongside spoken words
The most useful kinds of first words to focus on
Why colors, shapes, and numbers aren’t the best place to start
How pictures and books can help build spoken language
What to watch for when words are slow to come
The number matters. But so does what builds the number.
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play
Website:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/
 
*Parent Group WAITLIST:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/waitlist
BRINGING BACK OLD EPISODES ON THESE TOPICS! 
04 One-Year-Old Language Learning with a Book
05 Building and Understanding Language Through Our Senses
11 Building Deeper connection Through Communication using SIGNS with your Babies
144 Your 1-Year-Old Not Speaking? 3 Steps To Help Your Little Speak
 
Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play
 
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

Hey Friends~ 
Does your child come home from school and suddenly seem like a different kid?
They're whining. Fighting with siblings. Ignoring directions. Melting down over something tiny. And you're thinking, “You know how to do this. Why is everything so hard?”
What if that behavior isn't just something you need to stop?
What if it's giving you information about what your child needs in order to do the next thing?
In this episode, we're going beyond “What is my child's behavior communicating?” We're talking about what you do with that information, how you decide what really needs to happen tonight, and how you can actually make tomorrow go better.
Because knowing how to do something doesn't always mean your child can access that skill right now. And sometimes, changing what happens next begins with understanding what's happening underneath.
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play
Website:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/
WAITLIST:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/waitlist
 
 IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
18 Do Your Kids FEEL LOVED This Valentine's Day?  Let's Find Out!
253 When Communication Is Hard: An Overview for Parents of Children with Speech or Language Struggles, part 1
261 Jan Talen: Struggling Kids, Stressed Marriage. Where Do You Start?
245 Toys That Create Calm: Helping Toddlers With Transitions and Meltdowns During the Holidays
 
Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

Hey Friends~ 
Homeschooling is a choice more families are considering, and it opens up some interesting conversations about how children learn best. In this episode of The Language of Play, we explore freedom and flexibility in learning, following a child's curiosity, and paying attention to the individual child rather than assuming one approach works for everyone.
My guest, Amanda Schenkenberger, is a homeschooling coach whose own experiences shaped how she chose to educate her children and why she believes so strongly in homeschooling. Whether your children are homeschooled, attend public or private school, or you're wondering what might work best for your family, this conversation gives you plenty to think about. Ultimately, we're asking: Is my child learning, growing, building relationships, and getting the support they need? You don't have to agree with every idea to come away with something valuable for your own family.
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play
Website:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/
WAITLIST:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/waitlist
ABOUT THE GUEST:  Amanda Schenkenberger helps busy homeschool moms calm the chaos, find their flow, and build a homeschool life they love. A second-generation homeschooler and mom of four boys, she coaches moms to create sustainable routines, strong academics, and joyful connection through her resources at ConfidentHomeschoolMoms.com
CONTACT THE GUEST:.
Coffee and Calm with Amanda  https://www.youtube.com/@ConfidentHomeschoolMoms
confidenthomeschoolmoms.com
amanda@confidenthomeschoolmoms.com
What's Blocking Your Homeschool Flow Quiz:  https://homeschoolfamilylegacy.kit.com/homeschool-q
 
Homeschool Counseling Network - HCN
https://www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com
 
 IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
169 Karen DeLoach: Worried You Are Ruining Your Children? Homeschooling and How Art May Help Your Child With ADHD!
235 Kristina Heagh-Avritt: How Homeschool Families Thrive: Flexibility, Play & Joyful Learning
216 Polina Shkadron: Language-Rich Environments That Match Your Child’s Play Skills 
 
Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

Hey Friends~ 
What if your child’s wildest, most ridiculous ideas are actually a doorway into learning? In this episode, I talk with Josh Davidson, co-founder of Night Zookeeper, about using imagination, creativity, and play to help children develop reading and writing skills. We explore how drawing, talking, and writing about their ideas gives children multiple ways to express themselves, expand their language, organize their thoughts, and build confidence. Writing isn’t separate from verbal expression. It can actually help strengthen it.
We also look at technology through a different lens: After your child has been on a screen, what did that screen cause them to create? Could they tell you about it, draw it, write about it, or turn it into a conversation with you? The best technology doesn’t just keep children occupied. It gives them something they can’t wait to tell you about, even if that something happens to be a ridiculous farting dinosaur.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn 
EMAIL:  hello@thelanguageofplay.comBOOK A CALL: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/
QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:   Joshua Davidson is the creator and co‑founder of Night Zookeeper, an award-winning online learning program that helps children aged 6–12 fall in love with reading, writing, and creativity through games and storytelling. He’s also the author of the Night Zookeeper Adventure book series, which follows Night Zookeeper Will into the magical Night Zoo filled with fantastical creatures dreamed up by children. Josh is passionate about giving kids the confidence to see themselves as writers and creators, and he speaks regularly about the power of play, stories, and co-created worlds in education. 
CONTACT THE GUEST:  
Email: Josh@nightzookeeper.com
Website:  https://www.nightzookeeper.com/
Specials Pricing for The Language Of Play listeners: https://www.nightzookeeper.com/parents?ref=yweymwq
 
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR! 
Clever EllyThe a car charger that talks to you and helps you remember. Click here to learn more and claim the special listener bonus!  https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm
 
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
190 Bob Hastings: Using Storytelling to Help Kids Listen & Imagine
156 Raising Your Creative Independent Thinker? Sharon Fillmore Helps You With These Wonderful Curious Children!
230 Daniela Feldhausen: Speech Sounds and Reading Are Linked. Fun Ways Parents and Educators Can Help
 
ove this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

Hey Friends~ 
Why does your child fall apart over transitions they know how to do - or do every day?
Getting out the door, leaving the playground, turning off the tablet, or getting ready for bed can be a battle.  
In this episode, you’ll discover why transitions can be so difficult, seven reasons your checklist or visual schedule may not be helping yet, and simple shifts that can make routines easier to understand and follow. Because a visual schedule isn’t just about showing your child what to do. It helps their brain understand what’s happening now and what’s coming next. And knowing what’s coming next can make transitions feel much safer.
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play
WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/
https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/waitlist
 
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR! 
Clever EllyThe a car charger that talks to you and helps you remember. Click here to learn more and claim the special listener bonus!  https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm
 
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
112 Do You Hesitate To Interrupt Your Child's Activity? 4 Steps To Easier Transitions
113 - 3 Tools That Help Your Child To Transition From One Activity To The Next!
245 Toys That Create Calm: Helping Toddlers With Transitions and Meltdowns During the Holidays
246 Dr. Marcus: Are you a soothing presence for your child?
Love this podcast?  Please let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Be sure to Follow & Subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:   https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link:  https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

Hey Friends~ 
Have you ever thought about what your baby is actually experiencing when you sing to them?
Because it turns out, your baby doesn’t care whether you think you can sing. Your baby wants to hear you sing.  And those little moments of singing, playing, smiling, and simply enjoying each other can do far more than fill the time. They can help build secure connection, support emotional regulation, and even lay foundations for language.
Today’s guest, musician, music therapist, and psychotherapist: Vered, calls some of these experiences “Bubble Moments”:  those beautiful moments when you and your child are genuinely happy together.  And what I love is that she says we don’t have to just wait for those moments to happen. We can actually create them, especially in the ordinary, repeatable moments of our day. And then Vered said something that absolutely fascinated me: a song can become an emotional transitional object for a child, much like a favorite blanket or pacifier, because the music itself holds feeling.
Today, we’re talking about music, play, connection, regulation, sound and silence, and the surprising ways all of it can support your child’s communication and language. 
And yes, even if you’re convinced you cannot sing, this episode is for you!
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play
WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:   Vered Benhorin, LCAT, is a music therapist, psychotherapist, parenting author, recording artist, mother of three, and family connection expert whose work brings together attachment theory, music, mindfulness, and play. Her approach began with her own experience as a new mother, when she discovered how singing, movement, and playful interaction deepened the connection she felt with her infant son, Peleg. That experience grew into Baby in Tune, through which she has helped thousands of parents build stronger relationships with their babies, as well as her book, What Do I Do With My Baby All Day?!: Simple Ways to Have the Best First Year Together. Her award-winning music has received Parents’ Choice and NAPPA Gold Awards, and her newest album, Adorable You, brings her story full circle: nearly two decades after inspiring her work, Peleg helped write and produce the album and added his own vocals and harmonies. 
FREEEBIE:  4 Bubble Moments parents can do with their baby   www.babyintune.com/bubblemoments
Free to LIsten:  www.babyintune.com/book 
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/album/4CiGB86FsFsnNklNc45axA?si=ZWM1l58eStmRpcvVdIcEqw 
 
CONTACT THE GUEST:  veredr@hotmail.com
www.babyintune.com
www.babyintune.com/music
www.instagram.com/babyintune
https://www.tiktok.com/@babyintune
 
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR! 
Clever EllyThe a car charger that talks to you and helps you remember. Click here to learn more and claim the special listener bonus!  https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm
 
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
268 Emily Cadiz: What If Music Isn’t a Bonus—but the Brain’s Gateway to Reading?
270 Tracie Rieder: Using Signs As A Bridge To Speaking
273 Margot Bevington: Can Music Help Kids Acquire Language?
11 Building Deeper Connection Through Communication Using SIGNS with Your Babies
 
WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU! 
Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

Hey Friends~ 
Back-to-school season brings a lot of change—and sometimes, a lot more meltdowns, “NOs,” and moments when your child suddenly seems unable to do something you know they can do. - and it seems like they are REFUSING TO DO.  
But what if the problem isn’t ACTUALLY refusal?
In this episode, we’ll explore why transitions can be so challenging for kids—and how all that change can make it harder for them to listen, understand, and respond.
You’ll learn three simple ways to make transitions easier, reduce frustration, and help your child understand what’s coming next.
Happy Back-to-school season!  
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play
Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/
 
**GET ON THE WAITLIST!  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/waitlist
 
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Clever EllyThe a car charger that talks to you and helps you remember. Click here to learn more and claim the special listener bonus!  https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm
 
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
112 Do You Hesitate To Interrupt Your Child's Activity? 4 Steps To Easier Transitions
113 - 3 Tools That Help Your Child To Transition From One Activity To The Next!
207 Preschooler Needs A Nap, But Doesn’t Nap? Making This Transition Positive
245 Toys That Create Calm: Helping Toddlers With Transitions and Meltdowns During the Holidays
 
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

Hey Friends~ 
Do you want your child to cooperate with you—or simply comply? The difference may be more important than we realize.  Katherine Sellery explores what happens when parenting relies on power over children and introduces the 3 R’s: Resistance, Rebellion, and Retaliation—responses that can grow when children feel controlled.
This episode offers a different way forward: moving beyond obedience and compliance toward consideration, connection, and understanding. Katherine also shares how observing without immediately judging can help us see what is really happening beneath a child’s behavior.
Along the way, we explore staying present, regulating our own responses, and recognizing how our thoughts influence the way we respond to our children.
This conversation is an invitation to reconsider authority, look beneath behavior, and see our children through a different lens.
Perhaps the most beautiful reminder of all:   See your children beautiful.
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play
WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/
Email WAITLIST to  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:   Katherine Sellery, CEO and Founder of Conscious Parenting Revolution, helps individuals minimize misunderstandings and melt-downs in order to communicate with more collaboration, cooperation, and consideration. As a creator of the Guidance Approach to Parenting, a program that applies conflict resolution skills to communicating more effectively with children, Katherine has positively influenced relationships for generations and brought about healing and reconciliation in families that were suffering from disconnection. Through her comprehensive training programs, popular workshops, bestselling Amazon Ebook, TedX talks, and numerous major media appearances, Katherine has taught and coached thousands of parents, educators, social workers, and medical professionals on how to forge stronger relationships with their children. 
Free Gift : 7 Strategies To Keep Your Relationship With Your Kids From Hitting The Boiling Point  https://consciousparentingrevolution.com/ebook/
CONTACT THE GUEST:   
Website: https://consciousparentingrevolution.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-sellery/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciousparentingrevolution/
Katherine’s FB: https://www.facebook.com/katherine.wintersellery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherine_sellery/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katherine_sellery
X: https://x.com/K_WinterSellery
 
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
102 Top 4 Mistakes Parents Make And How to Correct Them!
157 When A Temper Tantrum Isn’t A Temper Tantrum??!!
176 Markus Higgs: Kids Yelling At You? Here's A Better Way To Handle it
203 Jill Garner: Building Respect & Security. It Happens Earlier Than You Think!
 
WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU! 
Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

Hey Friends~ 
What if the books you're already reading with your child could become one of your best speech therapy tools?
In this episode, I'll show you simple ways to use story time to help your child hear speech sounds more clearly, try new sounds, and practice the ones they're still learning—all without adding another thing to your day.
We'll also talk about why these strategies work for many children but not for all. If you've been trying speech activities without seeing much progress, there may be a reason—and understanding it can make all the difference.
Grab your favorite children's book, and let's discover how everyday reading can become a natural, playful way to build clearer speech.
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play
WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/
 
BONUS for this episode: 10 Communication Moments Hidden in Every Story https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/10storytimeideas
 
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! 
Clever EllyThe a car charger that talks to you and helps you remember. Click here to learn more and claim the special listener bonus!  https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm
 
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
04 One-Year-Old Language Learning with a Book
27 What Good is Mother Goose and Dr. Seuss? 6 Key Reasons to Indulge in These Classics
174 Gina Prosch: Children Learn Best When They Don’t Know They Are Learning At All. See How!
218 Terri Lilga: Why Is Rhyme So Important? Using Literature To Teach Beyond The Words
 
Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play
 
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play