How to Enhance Language Development in Two to Three Year Olds

As with all aspects of development, each child progresses at his own pace. However, by the age of 2, you can expect your child to have a vocabulary of around 50 words, be able to link two words together̵2;such as "my car"̵2;and speak clearly enough to be understood some of the time. The average 3-year-old may have a vocabulary of up to 300 words, use sentences of three or four words, be able to say his name and know how to use pronouns (I, me, you, mine). You can greatly enhance your preschooler's language development by making communication a priority at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Story books

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your toddler as much as possible. Ask her what she did at preschool, or how she would like to spend the afternoon with you. Read her favorite books with her on a daily basis and let her join in with the words she knows. Give her the book and ask her to read it to you. Even if most of the words sound like nonsense, it's still a great way to develop her language skills. The more you involve your toddler in conversation, the more she will learn about the meaning of words and how to pronounce them. Avoid using baby talk with your toddler. Use the correct words and speak clearly to her.

    • 2

      Teach your toddler that conversation involves two people. When he speaks, stop what you're doing, make eye contact with him and listen to what he is saying. Respond with a question that requires him to make a choice and express that through language, for example if he says "I ate a sandwich" ask him "What is your favorite type of sandwich?" or "What do you like to have in your sandwich?"

    • 3

      Engage your toddler in imaginative play that requires listening and following directions. When she puts on her favorite fancy dress costume, ask her who she is, where she lives and what her special powers are. Ask her what the images on her jigsaw puzzle are. If she's scribbling on a sheet of paper, ask her what she is drawing.

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