Understanding Language Development: How Many Words Should My Child Have?
Understanding My Toddlers Language Development
Language development in children is a journey that begins from the moment a child is born. Parents eagerly await those first babbling sounds and eventually, those exciting first words. But it's natural to wonder, "Is my child developing language skills at the right pace?" Understanding typical language milestones and averages can provide valuable insights into your child's linguistic journey. It is important to understand that words are not the only thing that we look at when evaluating a child’s language and communication. In this blog post, you will learn about the expected averages and milestones of words in toddlers ages 12 months - 3 years old.
Understanding Average and Milestone
First, it is important to understand the difference between an average and a milestone. An average is what 50% of children are doing at a specific age, while a milestone is what 90% of children are doing at a specific age. It is recommended that you reach out to a speech-language pathologist if your child is not meeting milestones.
How Many Words Should My Toddler Have?
12 Month Old
The transition from infancy to toddlerhood brings significant leaps in language development. Toddlers become increasingly adept at expressing themselves and understanding the world around them. Here's what we would expect for a 12 month old:
Average number of words: 5 words
Milestone: 1 word
18 Month Old
At 18 months, toddlers are often beginning to demonstrate an exciting expansion in their language abilities. While they are still in the early stages of linguistic development, many toddlers at this age can typically produce a vocabulary of words that may include familiar objects, people, and simple actions. Additionally, toddlers may start to combine words into two-word phrases, such as "more milk" or "big dog." While their speech may still be somewhat unintelligible to unfamiliar listeners, parents and caregivers can often understand the majority of their utterances. Nonverbal communication, such as pointing and gesturing, continues to play a significant role in their ability to express their needs and desires. Overall, the language of an 18-month-old is characterized by an increasing ability to communicate and understand simple language, setting the stage for further linguistic development in the months to come.
Average number of words: 50+ words
Milestone: 10 words
2 Year Old
Two-year-olds become increasingly adept at forming two- to three-word sentences, allowing them to express more complex ideas and desires. They may start using pronouns such as "I," "me," and "you," and their speech becomes clearer and more intelligible to others, although pronunciation errors are still common. Toddlers at this age also demonstrate a growing understanding of language, following simple instructions and engaging in basic conversations with familiar adults. While their language skills are still developing, the language of a 24-month-old reflects a remarkable progress in their ability to communicate effectively with the world around them.
Average number of words: 200+ words
Milestone: 50 words
3 Year Old
At three years old, children typically exhibit a significant expansion of their vocabulary and linguistic abilities. By this age, most children have a vocabulary of around 1,000 words or more, allowing them to express a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. They can form more complex sentences consisting of four or more words, demonstrating an increasing grasp of grammar and syntax. Three-year-olds also show a growing awareness of language rules, using plurals, possessives, and verb tenses more accurately. Their speech becomes clearer and more articulate, with pronunciation errors becoming less frequent. Additionally, they engage in more sophisticated conversations, asking questions, sharing experiences, and expressing opinions with greater confidence. Overall, the language of a three-year-old reflects a significant milestone in their cognitive and communicative development, laying the foundation for continued linguistic growth and literacy acquisition.
Average number of words: 1,000+ words
Milestone: 200 words
Monitoring Your Child's Progress
While these averages and milestones provide a general guide to language development, it's essential to remember that every child is unique. Some may reach these milestones earlier or later than others, and that's perfectly normal. However, if you have concerns about your child's language development, don't hesitate to consult with a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention can make a significant difference in supporting your child's communication skills.
In conclusion, understanding typical language averages and milestones can help parents track their child's progress and identify any potential concerns early on. By providing a nurturing and language-rich environment, parents can support their child's linguistic journey and help them develop the skills they need to thrive in the world of communication.
If you have more questions or would like speech therapy for your toddler, reach out to us at Berry Speech Academy. We are a speech therapy private practice in Pittsburgh, PA located in the south hills area in the neighborhood of Upper St. Clair. We offer speech therapy for kids ages 12 months - 18 years old. We would love to chat!
