# First Words: Body Parts Vocabulary for Toddlers

Little Wheels Talk & Listen uses the Ambulance vehicle as a gateway to teach body part vocabulary, making anatomy words engaging for vehicle-obsessed toddlers.

## Why Body Part Words Matter for Speech Development

Body part vocabulary is essential for toddlers because:
- Self-awareness development (understanding their own body)
- Safety communication (telling adults where it hurts)
- Following directions ("touch your nose," "wash your hands")
- Foundation for health literacy

## Body Part Words by Phoneme Difficulty

### Tier 1 - Easiest (Early Sounds: /m/, /b/, /p/, /w/)
- **mouth** - /m/ sound, speech-relevant
- **belly** - /b/ sound, fun word
- **back** - /b/ sound, common reference

### Tier 2 - Building (Sounds: /d/, /n/, /h/, /t/)
- **head** - /h/ sound, top of body
- **hand** - /h/ sound, daily use
- **nose** - /n/ sound, face part
- **toe** - /t/ sound, counting game
- **teeth** - /t/ sound, brushing routine

### Tier 3 - Expanding (Sounds: /k/, /g/, /f/)
- **knee** - /n/ sound, body part game
- **finger** - /f/ sound, counting
- **foot** - /f/ sound, paired with toe
- **cheek** - /tʃ/ sound, face vocabulary

### Tier 4 - Advanced (Complex Sounds)
- **shoulder** - /ʃ/ sound, body awareness
- **elbow** - /l/ sound, joint vocabulary
- **eyebrow** - compound word, facial features
- **stomach** - /st/ blend, health vocabulary

## How Talk & Listen Teaches Body Parts

The Ambulance vehicle in Talk & Listen delivers body part words through three practice layers:

1. **Vehicle Card Practice**: Tap the Ambulance to see 2-3 body words with call-and-response audio
2. **Category Gateway**: Complete body part "check-ups" to unlock celebrations
3. **Phoneme Drill**: Practice all /h/ words including head, hand, hair

## Ambulance Features
- 20+ body part words organized by phoneme difficulty
- Call-and-response prompts ("Can you say elbow?")
- Visual body part images paired with audio
- Progressive reveal (manageable word groups)
- Medical-themed celebration animations

## Why Vehicles + Body Parts Works

The Ambulance creates a natural connection to body vocabulary:
- Ambulances help people who are hurt (body awareness)
- Medical theme makes anatomy words contextual
- Vehicle engagement transfers to health vocabulary
- Children learn to communicate about their bodies

## Practical Applications
- Doctor visit preparation ("Show me where it hurts")
- Daily routines ("Wash your hands")
- Safety awareness ("Protect your head")
- Following instructions ("Touch your nose")

## Related Resources
- Learn more: littlewheels.app/learn/parent-guides/first-words-body-parts
- Ambulance vehicle page: littlewheels.app/vehicles/ambulance
- Talk & Listen app: littlewheels.app/apps/talk-listen

## About Little Wheels
Little Wheels Talk & Listen teaches 300+ first words across 10 vocabulary themes, using vehicles as engaging gateways. One-time $4.99 purchase, works 100% offline, no ads or subscriptions.