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

Hey Friends~ 

Have you ever noticed your child can sing every word of a favorite song but struggles to say those same words in conversation? Or maybe your child isn't talking yet, avoids back-and-forth interaction, has difficulty with rhythm or imitation, or simply learns differently than other children.

What if music could become a bridge?

In this episode, we explore how music creates a safe space for children to learn. Rhythm, repetition, melody, and predictable patterns slow language down, making it easier for the brain to process, remember, and use. Music also activates multiple areas of the brain, strengthening memory, movement, attention, and learning in ways that everyday conversation often cannot.

My guest knows this personally. She was largely nonverbal until she was four or five years old, and music became the place where language finally made sense. Today, she's an award-winning children's musician whose songs are intentionally designed to build language, communication, and connection for all children, especially those who learn differently.

If you've ever wondered whether music could help your child communicate, this conversation may open an entirely new way of thinking about learning.

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com

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

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

 

ABOUT THE GUEST:   Margot Bevington is an award-winning songwriter, educator, and performer whose music helps children grow through rhythm, imagination, and connection. Inspired by her own childhood speech delay, she has released three children's albums, two of which received the National Parenting Product Award. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Margot creates music that celebrates communication, creativity, and the belief that every child counts. 

CONTACT THE GUEST:  MsMargotsMusic.com

Instagram- @margotbevington
Free "I Count" Coloring Page with Email Newsletter Sign Up (on website)

 

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! 

Clever Elly
The a car charger that talks to you and helps you remember. Click here to learn more and claim the special listener bonus!  https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm

Penelope Jane Smith: Real Prosperity Inc.

Link for FREE financial guide ebook:  https://realprosperity.isrefer.com/go/FFF/dinalynn

Link for Financial Freedom 101 event scholarship:  https://realprosperity.isrefer.com/go/scholarship/dinalynn

 

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?

243 Claire Miller: The Power of Storytelling to Build Confidence & Connection

248 Dr. Emily Levy: Effectively Teach Reading with Orton Gillingham & Multi-Sensory Techniques

270 Tracie Rieder: Using Signs As A Bridge To Speaking

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~ 

Have you ever been so tired you'd try just about anything to get your child to sleep? 

You're not alone!

My guest, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, knows that feeling firsthand. She spent two years struggling with her own child's sleep before discovering there was an entire field of pediatric sleep support that most parents—and even most pediatricians—never hear about. 

You'll also hear how simple language shifts with our toddlers can encourage sleep cooperation and help children approach bedtime with greater confidence. 

Today we're talking about why sleep can feel so complicated, why there isn't one "right" way for every family, and what you can start doing tonight to help your child become a more confident sleeper.

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com

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

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

ABOUT THE GUEST:   Allison Egidi is a pediatric sleep coach and founder of Sleep and Wellness Coach LLC. Her focus is on children 0 to 17 years old. She also hosts the How Long ‘Til Bedtime? podcast.

CONTACT THE GUEST:  

Podcast: How Long ‘Til Bedtime?

https://sleepandwellnesscoach.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sleepandwellnesscoach

 

 

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! 

Clever Elly
The a car charger that talks to you and helps you remember. Click here to learn more and claim the special listener bonus!  https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm

Sarah Lascano: RayZen Energy
Free Guide: Heal Faster, Live Freer: Find and Clear the Energetic Roots of Symptoms: https://www.rayzenenergy.com/a/2148155983/Z7tWVm2L

Penelope Jane Smith: Real Prosperity Inc.

Link for FREE financial guide ebook:  https://realprosperity.isrefer.com/go/FFF/dinalynn

Link for Financial Freedom 101 event scholarship:  https://realprosperity.isrefer.com/go/scholarship/dinalynn

 

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

173 Alicia Mazari: Your Child is Constipated? How Poop impacts sleep, behavior, and learning

242 Dr. Ben Miraglia: Sleep, Behavior & Speech Struggles? What Early Jaw Growth & Mouth Breathing Reveal

219 Kerre Burley: Bedtime Resistance A Problem? SleepTalk Helps With Cooperation

234 Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown: Is Sleep A Struggle? Practical Guidance From A Sleep Physician

 

🌞 THIS WEEK ONLY: 🌞 

🌞 June 22-28,2026: Summer Support Bundle by Lisa Corricello McDowell:  

FREE. Sign up here:  bit.ly/summersupportbundle

 

🌞 June 29-July 2, 2026:  Supporting High Needs Learners at Home 2026; Summit hosted by Amy Bodkin.
$15 Register here: https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01KVF4B7DC62JZDBNSYM3VJMDT_2

 

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~ 

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "Why isn't my child listening?" Or wondering why they can do something one day but seem completely unable the next?

Before we assume it's defiance, laziness, or a bad attitude, what if we asked a different question: What if communication is what's hard?

For the past three months, we've been exploring the many ways communication can get disrupted—both in understanding and in expressing. Today, I'm bringing the whole series together so you can see the big picture and walk away with practical ideas to help your child communicate with greater confidence and success. 

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com

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

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

 

Parent Group

👉 Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families 

 

SPONSORS: 

Clever Elly
The a car charger that talks to you. Click here to learn more and claim the special listener bonus!  https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm

Sarah Lascano: RayZen Energy
Free Guide: Heal Faster, Live Freer: Find and Clear the Energetic Roots of Symptoms: https://www.rayzenenergy.com/a/2148155983/Z7tWVm2L

Penelope Jane Smith: Real Prosperity Inc.

Link for FREE financial guide ebook: https://realprosperity.isrefer.com/go/FFF/dinalynn

Summer Support Bundle: Lisa Corricello McDowell 

Sign up here: bit.ly/summersupportbundle

 

The “WHEN COMMUNICATION IS HARD” Series:

253 When Communication Is Hard: An Overview for Parents of Children with Speech or Language Struggles, part 1

254 When Communication Is Hard: Childhood Apraxia of Speech CAS & Motor Speech Disorders, part 2

255 When Communication Is Hard: Speech Sound Disorders & Phonological Delays, part 3

257 When Communication is Hard: Kids Know More Than They Can Say: Expressive & Receptive Language Delays, DLD, part 4

259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5

262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need Support? CP, Low Tone, AAC, part 6

264 When Communication Is Hard: Downs Syndrome, Genetic Syndromes, Learning Differences, part 7

265 When Communication Is Hard: Brain Injury, Seizures, and Communication Regression, part 8

269 When Communication Is Hard: Selective Mutism and Anxiety-Based Speech Challenges, part 9

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~ 

Your child hears you say something... but did they actually get the message? 

Sometimes communication breaks down because children can't fully access language. It may be hearing loss, difficulty processing information, speech delays, or simply not yet having the words they need.

In today's episode in the series When Communication is Hard, we're exploring how access impacts communication and why one surprisingly powerful tool—sign language—can help many children, not just those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Join me and special guest Tracie as we talk about reducing frustration, building connection, and giving children more ways to communicate.

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com

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

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

 

👉 Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families 

 

ABOUT THE GUEST:   Tracie Rieder, the owner of Circle of Friends Signing School, LLC, and a parent coach through Time Out Behavior Coaching.  Tracie spent 23 years as a family child care provider, supporting young children and their families through the joys and challenges of early childhood. Prior to that, she worked as a licensed elementary teacher and Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, with a primary focus on children from birth through the early elementary years. As the mother of three grown children, Tracie brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work in SE MN. 

CONTACT THE GUEST:   www.cfsigning.com

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/circleoffriendssigning/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086598276828

 

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

11 Building Deeper connection Through Communication using SIGNS with your Babies

137 STEP 4 - Would You Rather Not Repeat Again? Plan A Visual Summer Calendar For Your Kids

167 Danielle Lindner: Does An Auditory Processing Difficulty Impact Your Child’s Ability To Read?

 

SPONSORS: 

Clever Elly
The a car charger that talks to you. Learn more and claim your Special Bonus: https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm

Sarah Lascano: RayZen Energy
Free Guide: Heal Faster, Live Freer: Find and Clear the Energetic Roots of Symptoms: https://www.rayzenenergy.com/a/2148155983/Z7tWVm2L

Penelope Jane Smith: Real Prosperity Inc.

Link for FREE financial guide ebook: https://realprosperity.isrefer.com/go/FFF/dinalynn

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~ 

Some kids can talk—but don’t in certain situations. Maybe they suddenly go silent at school, church, or around other people. In this episode of our When Communication Is Hard series, we’re talking about selective mutism and anxiety-based communication challenges. These children may have the words, know what they want to say, and still feel unable to access their voice in certain situations.

We’ll look at what may be happening beneath the silence, why pressure backfires and makes talking harder, and how safety, predictability, and connection gently support speech over time. So, If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is being shy, stubborn, or overwhelmed, this episode will help you see the struggle with fresh eyes—and respond with more understanding and hope.

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com

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

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

 

👉 Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families 

 

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

259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5

262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need Support? CP, Low Tone, AAC, part 6

264 When Communication Is Hard: Downs Syndrome, Genetic Syndromes, Learning Differences, part 7

265 When Communication Is Hard: Brain Injury, Seizures, and Communication Regression, part 8

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