Rocket Balloons

40-inch rocket balloons that whistle as they zoom around the room. Blow one up, count down together, and let it go. The countdown and the big release make this one of the best toys for anticipation and first words. Pack of 500 in six bright colors.

Ages: 3+ with an adult
Noise: Loud whistle in flight
Senses: Movement, Auditory, Visual

$20.99 Coming soon

Safety: WARNING: Choking hazard. Children under 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision required; an adult should inflate, and uninflated balloons stay out of reach. Made of natural rubber latex, so not suitable for anyone with a latex allergy. Loud in flight.

Talking games

How to use this toy to build talking

One game for each communication stage. Want a plan made for your child? Create a free lesson plan.

Stage 1: Getting ready

The countdown pause

Count "3, 2, 1…" and stop before "blast off".
Wait. Watch for a look, a wiggle or a sound.
Treat it as their turn and launch right away.

3, 2, 1blast off

Stage 2: First sounds & words

Whoosh words

Many kids make fun sounds before they say words.
Use the same big sounds every time: "Whoosh!" "Up!" "Uh-oh!"
Celebrate any sound your child copies.

whooshupblowuh-ohagain

Stage 3: Putting words together

Big, bigger

Blow it up a little and pause: "Big… bigger…"
Let your child fill in the word or join in.
Expand what they say: "Big rocket!" "Rocket up!"

big rocketrocket upblow more

Stage 4: Back and forth

Red or blue?

Hold up two balloons and ask "Red or blue?" Then wait.
After the launch, talk about it: "Where did it land?"
Share your own reaction: "Wow, it went so high!"

red or bluewhere did it goso high

Stage 5: Other ways to talk

More and stop

Use the signs or picture cards for "more" and "stop" yourself while you play.
When your child uses one, do it right away.
Their message working every time is what makes them want to use it again.

stop

again

help

all done