Chit Chat Kids

A place for finding fun and playful ideas to encourage chit chat with the little ones in your life.

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  • Give thanks!

    Give thanks!

    With Thanksgiving right around the corner, take a look at some fun, easy Thanksgiving themed learning activities to incorporate into your playtime this month. (Amazon affiliate links)

    1. These adorable Make a Turkey stickers will challenge your child’s fine motor skills while you chit chat about the stickers, practicing labeling various parts of a turkey, clothing accessories, color concepts, positional words, and even following simple directions. This no mess, no set up activity comes with 4 sets of 6 different turkeys so you can share the fun with friends and family.

    Make a Turkey sticker set

    2. This Thanksgiving Giant Coloring Poster can also serve as a tablecloth. Get the kids involved in decorating and setting the (kids’) table this year. This activity is sure to keep the kiddos busy while expanding their Thanksgiving vocabulary with words like “cornucopia” and “Pilgrim hat”. Don’t forget to grab a set of Amazon Basics Broad Line Washable Markers as well so they have plenty of colors to choose from.

    30″ x 72″ coloring poster or tablecloth

    Amazon Basics 40 count washable markers set

    3. The Woodtoe Montessori Pumpkin Picking Magnetic Leaves Tree is sure to challenge your little one’s fine motor skills. There are many language opportunities in store while playing with this toy, such as color concepts, same sorting concepts, size concepts (big/little), positional words (top, bottom, under), turn-taking and so much more.

    So many ways to incorporate vocabulary while playing with this adorable Fall tree.

    4. You can’t go wrong with a good book (or two). Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano and illustrated by Lee Harper is a silly story about a turkey’s desperate attempt to hide from the farmer, as not to become the Thanksgiving Day meal. How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton is a cutesy story with lots of rhymes to expose your child to early phonological awareness skills.

    5. Finally, follow up story time with creating related crafts, such as this cute paper bag turkey puppet (supplies linked below).

    Construction paper: https://amzn.to/491nn6A

    Brown paper bags: https://amzn.to/47Fbwsv

    Washable glue pens: https://amzn.to/4oUxqip

    Feathers: https://amzn.to/4nEfZlk

    Happy playing!

    -Allie Morgan, MA, CCC-SLP

    Hebrews 13:5

    Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Holiday Frenzies

    Holiday Frenzies

    Does the early Fall sighting of a Christmas tree in a big box store send your limbic system into a frenzy? How about hearing sleigh bells jingling before your kids have uttered the words “trick or treat”? The holiday seasons seem to be making their appearance earlier each year. While it may spark joy and excitement for most of us, for many young kiddos, and those who are neurodivergent, the increase in holiday sights, noises, and smells may feel overwhelming, stressful, and overstimulating. Many parents know from experience that it can take only one negative exposure for a child to create a dislike and distrust in an activity. With the holidays quickly approaching, my hope is that every child can experience the magic of the season in a way that tailors to their individual needs. Below you will find Amazon links to various items that may help children with sensory processing differences. As always, if your child’s in speech therapy, OT, or PT, I encourage you to discuss your specific concerns and individual situation with your team to determine what’s best for your child.

    Sensory regulating tools (Amazon affiliate links):

    Noise cancelling headphones

    Noise cancelling headphones are an effective and convenient way to reduce auditory input in noisy environments. Check out the options below to find a pair just right for your needs.

    https://amzn.to/4qDxXqy

    A great size for baby-toddlers.

    https://amzn.to/47I597S

    A more budget friendly option for baby-toddlers.

    https://amzn.to/47kfIyY

    A great choice for older kids and comes in a few fun color options

    Eyewear for children with indoor light sensitivity

    Some children are sensitive to indoor, fluorescent LED lighting. Wearing rose and brown colored glasses reduces brightness when turning off lights is not an option.

    https://amzn.to/48ZXOCX

    These glasses can be adjusted to the perfect fit.

    Oral sensory chew tubes and necklaces

    Chewy necklaces and tubes are an appropriate and hygienic way to provide oral input for children who mouth objects or chew clothing.

    https://amzn.to/47Ahb30

    The building block design is for back molar chewing with texture.

    https://amzn.to/4oQtSxE

    The smooth blade provides less texture in the mouth with added texture at the handle.

    https://amzn.to/47nOXd4

    The Y-shape provides various textures.

    https://amzn.to/48Wzou1

    The loop design is easier for younger children to grasp and allows for various textures.

    https://amzn.to/3LFlDGe

    This simple design makes grasping easier without texture.

    Every child and family deserves to enjoy holiday festivities in a way that meets their uniqueness. Until next time, happy playing!

    -Allie Morgan, MA, CCC-SLP

    Hebrews 13:5

    Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Welcome!

    Hi friends! Welcome to Chit Chat Kids, where play is a necessity. My name is Allie and I’m a pediatric Speech Language Pathologist turned stay-at-home-mom for the time being. I’ve started this blog to share fun and playful learning activities and ideas for home, daycare, and (home)school to encourage chit chat with your favorite little ones. I’ll be sharing links to my favorite toys and activities so you can recreate and reimagine your own playtime! Happy playing!

    -Allie Morgan, MA,CCC-SLP

    Hebrews 13:5

    Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.