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

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:

The number matters. But so does what builds the number.

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

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

[email protected]

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:  [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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 Elly

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:  [email protected]

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 Elly

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:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

www.babyintune.com

www.babyintune.com/music

www.instagram.com/babyintune

https://www.tiktok.com/@babyintune

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR! 

Clever Elly

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:  [email protected]

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 Elly

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:  [email protected]

Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play

WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/

Email WAITLIST to  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

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 Elly

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

Hey Friends~ 

We all want our kids to become lifelong learners. But what does that actually mean?

It isn't about checking boxes or finding the perfect curriculum. It's about raising children who believe they can learn anything, anywhere, anytime. In this conversation with Kami, we explore how to build a family culture that develops curiosity, critical thinking, strong values, and confidence before you ever choose a curriculum.

Whether you homeschool or simply want to be more intentional about the learning happening in your home, this episode will inspire you. And if you'd like to go deeper, join us for the Inspired Homeschool Summit on August 4th!  Here is a link for FREE sign up:  https://mycollabpilot.com/r/0rbGauqZ

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected]

Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play

WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/

🌞 THIS WEEK ONLY: 🌞  Inspired Homeschool Summit:  August 4, 2026

Sign up here for FREE:  https://mycollabpilot.com/r/0rbGauqZ

ABOUT THE GUEST:   Kami is the creator of the Raising Leaders Roadmap and a homeschool mentor. A credentialed teacher with over seven years in public education and homeschooling since 2008, she draws on her background in English, leadership, and freedom principles to guide families toward meaningful learning. Kami helps homeschool parents create a culture that inspires a lifelong love of learning—equipping them to mentor with confidence and raise passionate leaders who make an impact in the world. She has been featured on CBS News and as a guest writer and speaker for homeschooling conventions, blogs, magazines, podcasts, and YouTube channels. 

CONTACT THE GUEST: 

Website: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/

Podcast: Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous

https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/podcast

Social Links:IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFreedomScholar

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJpXKtndYS9rrP98KcvDEw

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous

FREE:  The Love of Learning Launch Pad gives you a clear snapshot of where your family’s love of learning is right now—without pressure or judgment. Check it out here: https://pages.thefreedomscholar.org/loloi0

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:  Clever Elly

IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:

235 Kristina Heagh-Avritt: How Homeschool Families Thrive: Flexibility, Play & Joyful Learning

230 Daniela Feldhausen: Speech Sounds and Reading Are Linked. Fun Ways Parents and Educators Can Help

179 Lois Letchford: Dyslexia? Put Away What Is Not Working And Make Learning Fun

239 Marsha Familaro Enright: Montessori? Learn how A Curiosity-Led System Works!

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