Remember, not all children develop at the same rate but during this time I will:
use up to 300 words and use different types of words to do different things; to describe what things look like (‘big’, ‘soft’) where they are (‘under’, ‘on’) what they are for (‘eating’, ‘playing’) and to describe how many (‘lots’)
refer to something that has happened in the past
put 4 or 5 words together to make short sentences, such as “me want more juice”, “him want his coat”
ask lots of questions
have clearer speech, although I will still have some things I don’t get quite right. I might say things like ‘pider’ instead of ‘spider’. However, people who know me can mostly understand me
listen to and remember simple stories with pictures
understand longer instructions, such as “put on your coat and get your bag” or “where’s mummy’s coat?”
understand simple ‘who’, ‘what’ and ‘where’ questions
play more with other children and join in with play
play more complex imaginative games
be able to have a proper conversation, though I may flit around the topic a bit and be difficult to follow at times
be able to recognise how other people feel and will try to do something about it (e.g. “Ah, Josie sad. She need a hug.”)
My parents might want to speak to a Health Visitor or GP if:
I’m not doing some of the things a younger child would (see previous age boxes)
I don’t regularly use words to express myself
I don’t follow simple, everyday instructions
I can’t settle and play with activity that I choose myself even for a very short time
I don’t show any response when somebody talks to me
I don’t show any interest in communicating
I am not using sentences with 2 words
I seem to have stopped making progress with my talking
I use gesture to get what I want rather than using the words
My parents can’t understand what I say
I rely on being shown what to do rather than on understanding the words people say.
For more information or if you have concerns Talk to your health visitor, call the advice line 0300 333 5352 (Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm) GP or talk to your pre school practitioner
Child and Family Health Devon All age Advice line 0333 321 9448 (Mon-Fri 2pm-4.30pm)
Let’s Get Chatting campaign, Together for Devon Padlet promoting the following messages:
Key things parents can do to support their child’s speech, language and communication development • Typical SLC development • When to be concerned • Who to talk to about concerns • Local offers for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Let’s Get Chatting for 3 to 5 year olds
Information on what to expect, activities to try and some videos of parents talking about their experiences and demonstrating strategies and games
