SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — When she sends an e-mail, Erika Cardamone signs off with “Playfully Yours.”  that gives you a little window into her life and career.

In addition to being a mom of four, and a Syracuse University grad, Erika is a speech-language pathologist who uses toys to help children develop their language skills.  And she has some tips for us on some of the best ones she’s encountered recently. 

  • Wooden AlphaPup by Leapfrog (For children 12+ months/ $29.00)
  • Cocomelon Magna-Tiles structures set (3 years+/ $49.95-79.95)
  • ZipLinx Triple Tower Blast by Blip Toys (6 years+/$44.99)
  • T.A.P.E.S. by Hog Wild (6 years+/$29.99)          
  • Venn by USAopoly (10 years+ $24.99)

You can learn more about Erika’s work and check out her PAL Award winners past and present at her website, PlayOnWords.com.