October 2009 Notable Toys — Language

When baby gums or bites the largest soft disk on this teething ring, it vibrates, offering comfort and a lesson in cause and effect. A disk with bold, red and white stripes catches baby’s eye. Raised stripes and smooth sections encourage teething. Completing the ring are six chewy, textured disks filled with orange, purple and red beads. Some are water-filled and, when refrigerated, provide a cool diversion from sore gums. Varied textures cultivate tactile sensitivity, helping to develop communication skills. Launch date: October 2009.

Caregivers can refrigerate this colorful, water-filled rattle to bring cool relief to teething babies. On one end, a red, squishy, water-filled, oval ring with nubby bumps invites baby to soothe his gums. In the middle, a curved, white handle features raised, black stripes and three colored rings click-clacking around it. The handle is thin enough for even young babies to grasp. There is a black ball with white polka-dots on the other end of the handle to help baby focus. Launch date: October 2009.

These sleek, boldly colored ladybugs can be refrigerated so that their water-filled sections provide cool comfort for sore gums. Bendable, squishable textures and raised polka-dots encourage exploration by mouth. A smooth, black head provides bold contrast in color and texture to the rest of the little bug. Nubby antennae offer additional teething fun. They are available in two-packs with either a red and a purple ladybug or a red and an orange ladybug. Launch date: October 2009.

Based on The Entire World of R™ program, this 8-book set targets each of the eight variations of /r/ [ar, air, ear, er, ire, or, prevocalic r, and rl]. Also included are /r/ blends and recurrent /r/. Children can change stories by flipping one of three panels that comprise each sentence story. The books can be an aid to focus on single words, phrases, sentences or conversational speech. Stories are divided and color coded by word position (initial, medial, and final) for  focused therapy. Books vary in size from 51 to 72 panels (17-24 pages).

This 12-track album features the alphabet, the days of the week, the rooms of the house, colors, food and more. It may be used by teachers and French students. "With its upbeat and easy-to-learn songs, this CD is a great introduction to French for children 3 to 10," Alain Le Lait, owner of Yadeeda.com, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 25, 2004.

This album offers French songs for children ages 3 to 10. It may be used in classrooms and immersion programs. "A great way to introduce children to French, the songs on this CD are upbeat and easy to learn," Alain Le Lait, owner of Yadeeda.com, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 23, 2003.

WhisperPhone® Reader’s Theater includes 10 scripts, 10 scene setters and 10 coordinating exercises written by literacy experts and teachers. The scripts feature two characters in a telephone conversation about “How Things Are Made.” Students practice reading with expression in pairs. Launch date: March 2009.

14 great songs that include body parts, recess time, vegetables, family members, and 2 well-known comptines, 'Alouette', and 'Savez-vous planter les choux?'

Who is the piggle? And more importantly, will it end up on a bun? To find out, follow Sam and Sally in the search for Zoey, their unusual dog with a fondness for reading and a deep appreciation of art. In this adventure, they will meet the lonely, sensitive Yok-Yok Man and the impish, capricious oygoys ruled by their king, 'The Grumpiness.'

"Clear pronunciation and imaginative lyrics brighten this adventurous language CD,
perfect for those starting language study" (Booklist).  Great for Spanish immersion programs.

Perfect for the 2-7 age group, the songs combine simple words, frequent repetitions,
and infectious melodies.  Even adults will find them hard to resist.