Box of Tricks

Designed by ’Starting Out Right’ with Speech and Language Therapists in mind, the ‘Box of Tricks’ is an eclectic mix of items. These have been specially collated to enable Speech and Language Therapists to evaluate a child's vocabulary development and language understanding.

The box contains a range of high quality, everyday items, all of which should be familiar to the young child. A therapist can use directions in play to determine the level of a child’s language skills, (for example, “Give the big spoon to the doll”, or “put the brush in the bag”, etc).

Many Speech and Language Therapists will gather together a selection of items which they find useful for informal assessment. Often this will take years of searching in charity shops or gathering from other second-hand sources – and any items may well be purchased by the therapist themselves. We have taken the hassle out of the search for you!

The boxes each contain a different selection of products – click on the pictures for a list of contents. The high quality box has been selected to fit into the back of your car with ease and take as little space as possible.

(We also have a number of great add-ons that can be purchased to enhance and personalise your own ’Box of Tricks’ - see below).

For more information on how to use each ’Box of Tricks’ please use the ’INFORMATION’ button. For a list of contents, click on the thumbnail picture on the left. We advise that this method of assessing children’s language skills be used by qualified Speech and Language Therapists. Please note that many of the items within these boxes are not designed as toys. Items should be used for assessment purposes only. Children should not be left unattended with items.

Box of Tricks ’Starting Out Right’ is very proud of this EXCLUSIVE product. This is the standard sized box. It is perfect for those therapists who wish to have a quick answer to a sparse clinic room, or for new projects and venues. The box itself is roomy enough that you can add further items to personalise it, yet small enough to fit in a standard car boot. The contents include a wide range of everyday items. Categories included are: verbs, prepositions, transport, body parts, food and eating, plus different characters. Click on the picture on the left for a contents list. (We also have a number of great add-ons that can be purchased to enhance and personalise you own ’Box of Tricks’ - see below). Manufacturer: Starting Out Right Price:       £59.95 Product Code:       CQ201 The box contains a range of items which can be used to assess, for example), the following receptive language targets: Verbs – e.g. “wash the duck’s head” Prepositions – e.g. “put the pig under the bag” Vocabulary- e.g. “show me the doll’s eyes”, etc.. The box comes with a contents list, plus further examples of informal assessment and therapy ideas. Please note: although the contents of this kit contain CE marks as appropriate, the ‘Box of Tricks’ and its contents are not to be used as a toy, nor should any child be left unattended with the box or any of its contents. ‘Starting Out Right’ and associated companies will not accept any liability for accidents or injuries caused by misuse of this Speech and Language Therapist’s aid.

Box of Tricks - Deluxe This is ’Starting Out Right’ biggest and best ‘Box of Tricks’ and another EXCLUSIVE product. The collection of items will be supplied in a large high quality plastic box which is sturdy and easily transported. It could be stored in the back of your car, or at your place of work, (such as a Health Clinic, Children’s Centre, or Nursery School). The Deluxe box contains an extensive range of everyday items suitable for informal assessment of children’s language skills. In addition, there are further items which could be used in individual or group therapy. This collection would be an ideal resource to populate a sparce or new clinic room with a wealth of practical, hands-on therapy and informal assessment aids. For more information on how to use the Deluxe ’Box of Tricks’ please use the information button and for a list of contents, click on the thumbnail picture on the left. Manufacturer: Starting Out Right Price:       £119.95 Product Code:       CQ203 Sorry this product is currently out out stock.

The box contains a range of items which can be used to assess, for example), the following receptive language targets:
Verbs – e.g. “wash the horse’s head”
Prepositions – e.g. “put the cat under the bag”
Vocabulary- e.g. “show me Pat’s eyes”, etc..

The set comes with a contents list, plus further examples of informal assessment and therapy ideas.



Please note: although the contents of this kit contain CE marks as appropriate, the ‘Box of Tricks’ and its contents are not to be used as a toy, nor should any child be left unattended with the box or any of its contents. ‘Starting Out Right’ and associated companies will not accept any liability for accidents or injuries caused by misuse of this Speech and Language Therapist’s aid.

Pets: Dog on Lead Updated Product: This Collie is much more life-like than our previous offering and comes from the same range as the cat included in the 'Box of Tricks' Beautiful soft toy Collie Dog including leash. One supplied. Manufacturer: Keel Toys. Length: 22cm. Price:       £5.99 Product Code:       CK097 These generic soft toys by Keel Toys can be included in language development activities, or as everyday animals in a range of settings.

Pop-Up Dolls x 2 Two dolls that hide in the cone until you make them pop up! Length: 12cm Price:       £3.99 Product Code:       CC032 These are great attention – grabbers, or use them to encourage shy children to interact. They can also be used to encourage eye contact if held close to the face.

'In the Night Garden' Figure Set Fun adventures with six friends from the television programme, “In the Night Garden”, where words and rhymes carry you through a happy world of nursery rhyme nonsense. This set contains Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and three Tombliboos, made from a hard and robust plastic that will last and last. Figures are washable. These characters are firm favourites with many young children. Use them to entice reluctant children, encourage creative play scenarios, or as characters in your language development activities. Click on the Image to see the Figures. Manufacturer: Playskool. Size Range: 12cm - 6cm. Price:       £12.99 Product Code:       CQ145 Useful characters to incorporate in a variety of activities, including language development or assessment. For example, use these characters in an activity to develop children’s understanding of propositions, (place words). Play a game where you hide them in a dolls house. Talk about where the toys are;- in the bath, under the stairs, on the table, under the bed… Can the children tell each other where to put a toy?

Soft Ball A medium sized, soft, foam filled football which will get many children up, active, and interacting. Safer for all than a large hard ball, plus it can be wiped clean. Colours available are white and: red, blue or black. Let us know your preference with the order. Diameter: 11cm Price:       £1.49 Product Code:       CM935

Squidgy Rubber Farm Animal Set This set of characterful and fun farm animals have been specially selected by ’Starting Out Right’. They include a cow, pig and a sheep (as well as a ‘free’ duck) and come in their own transparent presentation pack. Each animal is wipe clean and made of a soft plastic body. Each is very robust and will hurt a lot less if he gets thrown at you! Suitable from 18 months plus. Length: 5-12cm. Price:       £5.99 Product Code:       CQ143 These animals are great for animal vocabulary development. How about practising your prepositions, (location words), by putting the cow next to the sheep or under a box or in a bag.

Water Wiggler A Water Wiggler, which is a clear plastic tube which is folded in on itself, meaning that its very hard to hold and will easily escape your grasp. Inside the tube is a blue liquid and tropical fish, including a clown fish which children will often recognise as 'Nemo'. Children should not be left alone with this relatively fragile product. Approximate length: 10cm Price:       £1.49 Product Code:       CM923 A ’water snake’ – a soft tube filed with liquid and small objects, which moves and slides when you play with it. A little trinket for your collection of tactile objects, to amuse and fascinate young and old alike. Items such as this ‘water snake’ can be used to entertain children while you talk to carers, (carry one in your bag if you visit homes). Or use them in your sensory play sessions.

Mini Flashing Animal Collection A set of five flashing animals, includes one of each: frog, duck, fish, whale and dolphin. Small size means not to be used as a toy for children under 3 years. Length: 2.5cm Price:       £10.00 Product Code:       CB024 These small animals are amazing! Hold them in your hand and they magically begin to flash… then they stop when you put them down! They are ideal as attention-grabbers for children who tend to wander, for use in sensory rooms and dark dens, or as rewards and motivators.