I have used Mr. Potatoe's head toys to help teach foster
parents a safe way to discuss body parts, how a child feels about each body part, and safe and appropriate touch.
I also have shown teachers how to teach simple body language
reading cues in a fun way.
So they talk about eye contact and have the children put the
eyes in and share what they can see and they put the hands-on and say what it
safe healthy touch and other concepts like body windows and how the feet are the
most honest parts of the body.
Play: It can’t be disputed that children learn best through play as language development can be supported, by adults, in a fun and natural way. Playing with Mr. Potato Head can help develop symbolic play, certain language skills and support overall cognitive development.
Choices: Offer your child choices of body parts when placing them into Mr Potato Head. It can support the understanding and expressive use of, vocabulary for body parts. Talk about these body parts as your child is assembling and experimenting with Mr Potato Head. Providing choices can also support a child’s ability to make decisions.
Requesting: Mr Potato Head is a great tool to help support the skill of requesting. It offers many ways to develop consistent use of communication including, gestures, sign and verbal communication. Adapt the way Potato Head is played by holding back some pieces from the child to provide repetitive opportunities for the child to use all their communication skills.
