Language Development

Language Development

Every child’s language development is different from one to the next, but most follow a general timeline when speaking, so trust your instincts if you notice any delays.

12 months old:

•             Your child is able to say “mama” or “dada”.

•             Uses gestures such as pointing, shaking his/her head or waving.

•             Understand and respond to words such as “hello”, “bye-bye”, “yes” or “no”.

•             Would point things out such as a car, bird or plane.

•             Starts to communicate needs without crying (sometimes)

18 months old:

•             Points to one body part when asked

•             Can point to something they want

•             Can wave “hello” and “bye-bye”

•             Can say at least 6-10 words

•             Is able to communicate with you when he/she requires help

•             Recognises himself/herself in the mirror or pictures and might even say his/her name

•             Will laugh at something funny or silly

19-24 months old:

•             Should know at least one word a week

•             Can follow two-step directions

24 months old:

•             Starts to join two words together such as “have please” or “cold water”

•             Can identify names and pictures

•             Imitates others actions

•             Plays pretend games with toys

•             Responds to simple directions

•             Can identify objects at home such as a spoon or a toothbrush, etc.

•             Can say close to 50 words

25 months old:

•             Uses around two to four words in a sentence

•             Can name more than one body part

•             Is familiar with songs and nursery rhymes

•             Starts to ask questions

30 months old:

•             Should now be understood by people who are normally around the child

36 months old:

•             Should now be understood by people who don’t normally see the child

•             Uses pronouns such as I, you and me

3 years old:

•             Start speaking in short phrases and understand instructions

•             Loves and enjoys being around other children

•             Has clearer speech

4 years old:

•             Understands single consonants and the concept for the “same” and “different”.

•             Uses pronouns properly

Helpful Resource:

www.babycentre.com

What To Expect The Second Year by: Heidi Murkoff