Language-rich environments in homes and preschool settings support the language development of preschool-age children. In these settings they learn expressive language skills such as labeling items in their environment and expressing their thoughts and emotions. They also strengthen their receptive language skills, increasing their ability to comprehend more complex language. During the preschool years, ages 3 to 5, children begin to develop an understanding of proper grammar and use it more consistently. Their ability to follow directions involving multiple steps also increases.
Three-year-olds
The receptive language skills of 3-year-olds are less refined than older preschoolers. Most are able to follow simple, routine two-step directions with modeling and support. They can label common objects around their homes and enjoy learning new words. A more concrete understanding of differences between boys and girls develops and, if taught, they are able to state their full name. Three-year-olds are very curious and frequently ask "what" and "why" questions. They are also able to answer simple questions. Their conversational vocabulary generally consists of three- to four-word sentences.
Four-year-olds
An increase in vocabulary including labeling colors comes with 4-year-old development. Their concepts of same and different are developing, and they are able to verbalize these understandings. Most 4-year-olds are also able to follow slightly more complex directions involving at least three steps. Their expressive language begins to include the use of past-tense verbs and sentences of five to six words. Four-year-olds love telling stories about themselves, and the clarity of their speech improves.
Five-year-olds
Expressive language grows a good deal with 5-year-olds. They are able to engage in more complex and lengthy conversations, they understand and label relationships among people and they can provide definitions for some simple words. Receptively, 5-year-olds are beginning to understand how different objects are related and can identify these, such as "the girl with the blue coat" or "the dog with the red leash." Their auditory comprehension improves, and they are able to answer simple comprehension questions after listening to a story.
Language Delays
Child development occurs on a continuum, and not all children develop at exactly the same rate. However, language delays can occur in receptive language, expressive language or both. Significant delays can negatively impact a child's social, emotional and academic functioning. If parents are concerned about possible delays, they should consult with their pediatrician and seek a professional evaluation by a certified speech-language pathologist. Research has demonstrated that early intervention leads to positive outcomes and greater success.
Supporting Language Development
Children learn language through the modeling of the adults around them. Talking with children, and listening to them, is critical to their development. Throughout the day adults can describe what they are doing, use accurate labels for items (the spatula, the broom, the sink), read books aloud, have the child tell stories and/or act them out together, engage in imaginative play using a variety of toys and household items and talk about what they see as they are walking or driving through the neighborhood or town. Conversing, playing and reading with children exposes them to a wider-variety vocabulary and provides them more opportunities to try out what they are learning.
