Early language development, what should I be looking for?
- Abi
- Jul 28, 2023
- 2 min read
Let us be the first to say, you’re doing a great job!. Whether you are worried or wondering about your child's language development, you took a step in the right direction to learn more and educate yourself. We are here to help you by breaking down some of the language milestones and provide insight on what you may or may not be seeing at home.
If you read our blog post from last week WINK WINK, you will know that there are foundational skills that need to be acquired first before early language development. BUT, before we go any further we believe it’s important to explain a few terms. First, milestones. Milestones are defined as a skill or behavior that 90% of children typically demonstrate within a specific age range. It’s important to remember that along with the milestones, there are also averages, meaning the range of skills and when they are acquired can vary. Wait, wait, so why are these milestones so important? Great question! The language milestones discussed below give us a better idea of what area of language the child needs support in order to speak and communicate. Language is not only HOW you communicate (expressive), but also what you UNDERSTAND (receptive); both areas are crucial when it comes to reciprocal conversation.
OKAY! Here we go! The information you have all been waiting for, early language development milestones, ages one to four.
Birth to one year
Getting your attention by using their voice
Make a variety of consonant sounds when babbling (m, w, h, b, p, d,t)
Respond to their name and/or bid for joint attention (i.e., Look!)
Begins to respond to simple requests like “pick up” or “come here”
Recognizes words for common items like “milk”, “cup” or “blanket”
Imitate some sounds like animal noises or environmental sounds (‘woof’ for dog, ‘beep beep’ for car’ and oh no, etc.)
One to two years
Understanding:
Follows simple commands and understands simple questions
Points to pictures in a book when named
Listens to simple stories, songs, and rhymes
Talking:
Says more words every month
Begins to ask simple questions like “What’s that?”, “Where puppy?”
Puts two words together
Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words
Two to three years
Understanding:
Responds to commands involving body parts, such as “show me your hand”.
Follows directions with two parts “get your cup and put it on the table”.
Understands differences in meaning (go/stop, in/on, big/little, up/down)
Listen with interest to general conversation
Talking:
Has a word for almost everything
Uses two-three words to talk about and ask for things
Speech is understood by familiar listeners most of the time
Often asks for or directs attention to objects by naming them
Asks why?
Three to four years
Understanding:
Understands simple wh-questions
Demonstrates understanding of a range of verbs
Understanding of questions related to function and quantity
Talking:
Most people understand what your child is saying
Uses phrases with three or more words
Asks what, where, when, and how questions
Uses pronouns like I, you, me, we, and they
Uses plural words, like dogs, cars, blocks
Questions or concerns after reading through our blog? Feel free to reach out to us as we would love to help!
586-209-3826
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