Books & Early Literacy
First 100 Words by Roger Priddy
The best-selling first words book of all time — 100 bright photographs of everyday things, from cup to dog to shoe. Photo-based word books are a speech pathologist staple: real images help toddlers connect words to the actual objects in their world.
We earn a tiny amount from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
This toy stars in:
How to Use This Toy for Talking
Let your child explore first — follow their lead. Watch what they look at, copy what they do, and add words to their ideas rather than directing the play. Then weave in the goals below for your child's level. A few minutes of shared, chatty play beats a long structured session every time.
Speech Goals by Level
Pick your child's level — not sure? Read the level guide. Each level shows goals for understanding (receptive language — what your child takes in) and using words (expressive language — what they say). Understanding usually comes first, so it's completely normal for the two to be at different levels. And every card has a step down and a step up — meet your child where they are on the day.
🥉
Bronze · First Words
Understanding · receptive
- Point to pictures when named: 'Where's the ball?'
- Follow 'Turn the page'
- Understand 'Show me...' requests
Using words · expressive
- Name familiar pictures: 'dog!', 'cup!'
- Say 'more!' to keep reading
- Say 'turn!' at each page
- Imitate words you point to and say
Key concepts
- Everyday object names
- Turn (the page)
- More
- Point and name
Finding it tricky? Drop all demands. Just play side by side and say the words for them — hearing words with zero pressure to speak is still powerful learning.
Too easy? If they copy words easily and use lots on their own, peek at Silver: take their word and add one of yours ('pop!' becomes 'big pop!').
🥈
Silver · Phrases
Understanding · receptive
- Follow 2-step directions: 'Find the apple AND the banana'
- Understand categories: 'Show me something you wear'
Using words · expressive
- 'That's a dog!'
- 'Baby sleeping!'
- 'I see car!'
- 'Big truck!'
- 'Where's duck?'
Language structures
- That's + noun
- Noun + verb + -ing (baby sleeping)
- I see + noun
Finding it tricky? Step back to the Bronze single words. Say their word, then add just ONE more ('ball' → 'big ball') — no need for them to repeat it.
Too easy? If two-word phrases are flowing, start modelling the Gold sentences during play and leave a pause — many children will surprise you.
🥇
Gold · Sentences & Stories
Sentences to model · expressive
- 'We have a cup like that in our kitchen'
- 'The boy is wearing red shoes just like mine'
- 'I can find all the animals on this page'
Higher language
- Connecting pictures to real life experiences
- Category games: naming all the foods, all the vehicles
- 'I spy' with descriptions: 'something round and orange'
- Making up mini-stories about the photos
Finding it tricky? Shrink your sentences back to the Silver phrases and slow right down — long sentences are harder to process in the middle of exciting play.
Too easy? Move into storytelling: ask 'what happened?' after play, retell it together, or explore the final bands of the Talking Journey.
Julia's Parent Tip
Don't quiz ('What's this? What's this?'). Instead, point and label with excitement, then pause. If your child says nothing, just carry on happily. If they attempt the word, repeat it back warmly and add one more: 'Dog! Big dog!' Books should feel like a cozy conversation, never a test.
Ready to turn this toy into talk time?
Grab it on Amazon, then come back to this page during play — the goals work best with the toy in hand.
