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Having Our Say would love to hear from you! Call us at 347.559.1517 or email us info@havingoursay.org Having Our Say would love to hear from you! Please complete this form and we will contact you! Schedule a free 15 minute consultation here. We service Northern NJ: Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, and surrounding areas. Please note we do not accept insurance. Visit the FAQs for more details. Call Us: 201.686.8983 Email Us info@havingoursay.org Success! Message received. SEND CONTACT HAVING OUR SAY Be Seen & Heard®

Children's picture books that celebrate Holidays and Seasons BACK HOLIDAYS LOAD MORE SEASONS FOOD & FAMILY

At Having Our Say we provide speech and language assessments and intervention for children in the home in the Northern NJ area. We also collaborate with other professionals, including care providers and teachers, to provide training and continuing education. Contact Us: 347.559.1517 BE SEEN & HEARD® SPEECH & LANGUAGE SERVICES info@havingoursay.org WELCOME TO HAVING OUR SAY Having Our Say was built out of the understanding that life is busy and quality therapy can be hard to come by. We provide mobile speech and language therapy services, which is not only convenient, but also allows children to practice skills in their natural environment! We appreciate the role families play in their children’s progress and aim to provide quality resources that equip caregivers with tools to ensure ongoing success. Liam's First Cut is a celebration of family, community, and neurodiversity as Liam, an autistic Black boy, uses support to manage his expectations and process sensory information as he prepares for his first visit to the barbershop. The Season of Yes! is a jubilant tribute to the author's youth and spending summer in the city with her Mom! Order a copy today! PURCHASE HERE PURCHASE HERE Joni, CA "I'm so excited to incorporate all the things you trained on. I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and know it will make a huge difference for my students." JG, NJ "Shontaye has been such a blessing to our family. Our child is talking so much now! It's like a switch turned on since she began working with our family!" Lisa, MD My students LOVE your books and "Liam's First Cut" helped my son prepare for his first trip to the barber at 5! Please write more! JOIN OUR MAILING LIST S U B S C R I B E WE SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH A VARIETY OF NEEDS LEARN MORE CHECK OUT MY INCLUSIVE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS AND DIVERSIFY YOUR LIBRARY. SEE THE LIST Visit the Having Our Say BLOG The Power of Food to Bring Us Together: Exploring Community, Culture, and Kindness Teaching Kids about Voting Through Picture Books Liam's First Cut Turns 4! Celebrating Representation and Neurodiversity

I love using toys in therapy—almost as much as I love playing with them. What may look like “just playing” is actually children learning, communicating, and making sense of their environment. When you select toys that support language and play, children develop language, practice social skills, and connect meaningfully with others. As a speech-language pathologist, I shop for toys with intention. Yes, they should be fun—but they should also support learning. The toys I choose help children maintain attention, practice turn-taking, learn new vocabulary, follow directions, and engage in shared play. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for toys: 1. Choose Developmentally Appropriate Toys Select toys that match the child’s developmental level, not just their chronological age. Toys that are too advanced can be frustrating, while toys that are too simple may limit engagement and learning opportunities. 2. Limit Noisy and Light-Up Toys to Support Language As adults, we often assume that high-tech toys are best for learning. In reality, talking or noisy toys can limit opportunities for interaction and encourage solitary play. Children may become hyper-focused on the lights and sounds rather than using their own language or engaging with others. Simple toys often create richer opportunities for communication. 3. Don’t Forget the Classics Classic toys never go out of style—and for good reason. Shape sorters, pop-up toys, toy cars and trucks, stacking rings, and blocks are excellent for toddlers and preschoolers. These toys encourage imagination, problem-solving, and interaction with a play partner. Other great options include baby dolls, Mr. Potato Head, puzzles, action figures, and cash registers. 4. Encourage Pretend Play Child-sized tool benches, play kitchens, grocery sets, dress-up clothes, and tea sets are always a hit. These toys allow children to use their own language, role-play real-life experiences, take turns, solve problems, and build social communication skills. 5. Say Yes to Board and Card Games Board games are fun and packed with learning opportunities. They teach turn-taking, following rules, problem-solving, and language skills. While “old-school” games may seem boring to some, they shouldn’t be overlooked for their developmental value. As you shop for new toys, think about what a toy can do and  what skills it can help teach. There’s nothing wrong with sneaking a little learning into the fun—especially when play is the best teacher of all.

Many caregivers wonder whether their child’s speech or language differences are something they’ll “grow out of” or a sign that professional support may help. While every child develops at their own pace, there are times when seeking guidance from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can make a meaningful difference. Signs to Watch For You may want to consider a speech and language evaluation if your child: Uses fewer words than expected for their age Has difficulty understanding directions or following routines Their speech is hard for familiar caregivers or teachers to understand Becomes frustrated when trying to communicate Does not combine words by around age two Has lost words or communication skills they previously used For older children, concerns may include difficulty with storytelling, following classroom directions, or social communication with peers. Trust Your Instincts Caregivers know their children best. If something doesn’t feel right—even if others say “just wait and see”—it’s okay to ask questions. An evaluation does not automatically mean therapy is needed, but it can provide clarity, reassurance, or early support if necessary. Early Support Matters Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to stronger communication outcomes. Speech and language therapy isn’t about labeling a child—it’s about giving them tools to express themselves and connect with others. The Bottom Line If you have concerns, seeking professional input is a proactive step, not an overreaction. A licensed SLP can help determine whether your child is developing as expected or could benefit from extra support. Contact us for a free consultation.

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I’m often asked, “What can I do at home to help my child’s language skills?” My answer is almost always the same: use what you’re already doing. You don’t need special flashcards, apps, or extra hours in the day. Two of the richest opportunities for language development happen daily—mealtime and bath time. These routines are predictable, interactive, and full of natural chances to talk, listen, and connect. Use these simple, realistic ways to support your child’s language during these everyday moments. Why Routines Matter for Language Development Children learn language best through repetition, connection, and meaning . Routines like meals and baths offer: Predictable sequences (“first we wash, then we rinse”) Shared attention (you and your child focused on the same activity) Built-in vocabulary and actions Natural turn-taking When children know what to expect, they’re more likely to participate, attempt words, and engage in communication—whether that’s through sounds, gestures, signs, or sentences. Language-Building at Mealtime Mealtime is great for communication—and it doesn’t have to be quiet or perfect. 1. Narrate What’s Happening Talk about what you’re doing as you do it: “Here's a spoon.” “Where's the cup? Here it is.” “Drink milk.” This helps children connect words to actions and objects. 2. Offer Choices Instead of yes/no questions, try: “Do you want apple or banana ?” **Choices encourage communication at all levels—pointing, signing, vocalizing, or speaking. 3. Expand What Your Child Says If your child says: “Cracker” → “Yes, a crunchy cracker!” “More” → “More pasta, please!” **You’re modeling slightly longer language without pressure. 4. Talk About the Senses. Food naturally invites descriptive language: “This is crunchy.” “That’s sweet.” “The soup is hot—blow!” ** These words build vocabulary and support comprehension. Language-Building at Bath Time 🛁 Bath time is playful, hands-on, and often one-on-one—perfect for communication. 1. Use Repetitive, Predictable Language Bath routines repeat daily, which helps language stick: “Wash, rinse, dry.” “On… off.” “In the tub, out of the tub.” Repetition builds understanding and confidence. 2. Label Body Parts and Actions Use simple words and phrases: “Wash hands.” “Splash feet.” “Soap on your tummy.” You’re supporting both vocabulary and body awareness. 3. Follow Your Child’s Lead If your child is pouring water, floating toys, or splashing: Talk about what they’re interested in Avoid redirecting unless needed for safety Children learn best when language matches their focus. 4. Sing and Play with Sounds Songs and sound effects make language fun: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” “Splash!” “Uh-oh!” “Pop!” These playful sounds support early communication skills. If your child uses gestures, signs, sounds, or a communication device— that counts ! All forms of communication are valid and meaningful. And if you ever have concerns about your child’s speech or language development, reaching out to a licensed speech-language pathologist can provide clarity and support. Final Thought The best language opportunities aren’t found in worksheets—they’re found in everyday moments together. By slowing down and talking through routines, you’re giving your child powerful tools to communicate with confidence. If you’d like more caregiver-friendly tips or support, contact Having Our Say —we’re here to help every step of the way. ✨

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