Communication Milestones for Children

Recognizing milestones in children's development is very important. It is also important to be aware that every child reaches them at different ages and times compared to others. Children start to understand language as soon as they are born and as they grow, they eventually learn how to communicate on their own to form words and sentences.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is crucial to be on the lookout for any development milestones for children, especially throughout the school year. These speech-language skills are crucial for their success in the classroom.

Development Milestones:

1-year-olds: 

• Calls parents by nickname such as “mama or dada”
• Understands “yes” or “no”
• Waves “Hi” or “Bye”

2-year-olds:

• Starts to put at least two words together 
• Can understand sentences and points to answers 
• Starts to use more gestures such as nodding, pointing, waving 

3-year-olds:

• Can say their own first name 
• Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions
• Can go back and forth in a conversation 
• Understands actions and can say what action is going on 
• Clearer words and more understanding of sentences 

4-year-olds:

• Can ask simple questions 
• Usage of longer sentences 
• Can now talk about what has happened to them or what they have experienced

5-year-olds:

• Can tell a story 
• Can make up occurrences 
• Can keep a conversation going
• Can answer simple questions to a story they read or what has happened In their day

At the Speech-Language Institute (SLI), an expert speech-language pathologist (SLP) will test your child’s speech and language skills and identify whether further assessment and intervention is needed. If further intervention is needed, an individualized treatment plan will be put into place. SLPs will also work with parents, teaching them at-home activities to help their children communicate better.

Schedule an appointment with an expert at SLI today by calling 215.780.3150.