Language Development in Toddlers

When we hear the phrase language development in toddlers, our first thoughts are typically about speaking, reading and printing, and that is a huge part of this area.

In addition, language and literacy refers to a child’s understanding of the spoken work and their communication skills and ability to express themselves.  

It helps improve their interactions by improving their self-regulation and behavior management.

As we discussed on the main toddler growth and development page, children develop in specific stages but at their own pace.

Some of your toddlers may still be developing their younger toddler skills while others may be developing early preschool skills.

Let’s look at some of the developmental milestones toddlers are working on.

Language Developmental Milestones for Toddlers

Some of the language developmental milestones toddlers are working on are:

• Gives own first name and age.
• Follows 2 step directions without distraction.
• Beginning to understand "in", "on", "under".
• Can name familiar objects.
• Has conversations consisting of 2-3 sentences.
• Can name friends and family members.
• Uses pronouns in conversations (I, me, we, you) and some plurals (dogs, cats, etc.)
• Can be understood 75% of the time by strangers.

Remember!

As with all milestones, remember that there can be a 6 to 8 month window with typical development.

This means that children may exhibit skills 6 to 8 months before or after these toddler years.

Considerations When Planning Language Activities for Toddlers

The above list of milestones are worked on by toddlers all day long!

Language development in toddlers does not only happen when we are talking with them or while they are talking to each other.

Many you will observe while they are going about their day. Consider this observation of a toddler playing with blocks:

“This block too big. Little on goes on top. No like red ones. Green is my favorite color.”

We can see many of the milestones being worked on as we hear this toddler speak their though process out loud.

Looking at the milestone list, we see that this toddler is exhibiting experience in the following milestones:

• Beginning to understand "in", "on", "under".
• Can name familiar objects.
• Has conversations consisting of 2-3 sentences.
• Uses pronouns in conversations (I, me, we, you) and some plurals (dogs, cats, etc.)
• Can be understood 75% of the time by strangers.

Because these milestones are about language development in toddlers, you’ll have countless opportunities to observe their abilities.

In addition to during play activities, you’ll also observe their language skills while playing outside, at snack or meal times and during daily transitions such as diaper changing/toileting times, getting ready to go outside, etc.

Of course, you’ll also get a great sense of their language skills during small or large group literacy activities such as during Storytime, a puppet show or using a flannel board.

Pulling Language Development Milestones Together

To summarize, language development in toddlers refers to all that is involved in your toddlers’ speaking, communicating and language (use of words) development.

The milestones can be supported through activities in all areas of your classroom and observed during play activities throughout the day.