Toddlers have spent their first year of life listening to all the sounds around them, discerning what different groups of sounds (words) and tones mean, and playing with all the sounds their mouths can make. As they move from infancy to toddlerhood, they begin using these sounds to make words themselves, increasing their understanding of the words being said to them, and using words to label the objects and people around them.
Twelve Months
At one year of age, toddlers are beginning to understand the value of speech and communication. They observe the excited reactions they receive from adults when they make sounds and recognize that they can obtain an item they want by making a certain sound or group of sounds. Their early words are often fragments and may have articulation errors. One-year-olds imitate the inflection they hear from their caregivers and increase their ability to follow simple instructions, especially when gestures and modeling are used.
Eighteen Months
At eighteen months, most toddlers have a vocabulary of five to 20 words that can be understood by a caregiver. Most of these words are familiar objects or people in their lives. Although much of their speech may not be clearly understandable, the intent and emotion often are. This age group can exhibit echolalia, which means they often repeat what is said to them and may repeat a particular word or phrase over and over. With continued practice, following simple commands becomes easier for them.
Twenty-four Months
As children reach the age of two, their vocabulary continues to increase, up to 300 words. They label more objects in their environment and begin using two-word sentences and questions such as, "Car go" or "Where Daddy?" The clarity of a two-year-olds' speech improves, and the majority of their words can be understood. The use of prepositions such as in, on, or under come into place, as do the pronouns I, me and you. The ability to point to body parts when questioned also emerges at this age.
Language Delays
Some children are slower to begin speaking than others. If your child is not meeting these basic developmental steps and you have concerns about his language development and communication, contact your pediatrician or a certified speech-language pathologist. Early intervention in speech and language development is supported by research as very effective and an important step toward future success.
Supporting Language Development
Exposing children to a wide variety of language by talking with them is the best way to support their language development. Label objects and animals in books that you are reading. Discuss what you see as you walk or drive through the neighborhood. Exaggerate the beginning sounds of words such as "Monkey. Mmmmmmm monkey." Sing and listen to simple, repetitive songs.
Sign Language
Combining verbal speech with basic sign language helps toddlers develop their verbal language, decreases frustration and increases their ability to communicate their wants and needs to caregivers. Many books and classes are available to teach parents and toddlers these skills.
