Are you unsure if your child’s language abilities are developing on time? Do you wonder if your child should be talking or understanding more than they are?
As speech-language pathologists, we look at many communication skills when observing a four-year-old to determine if they are delayed in language development. We note children’s expressive abilities (what they say) and receptive abilities (what they understand), as well as their play & functional skills.
In this blog, I will outline some key language skills that children should be demonstrating by age four. Please keep in mind this list is not exhaustive and if your child is not demonstrating all of the skills on time it does not mean that there is a delay or problem! However, if you feel there is a language concern, consider an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist. At Enrichment Therapy we are here to help, and early intervention is key!
Expressively
- Combines 4-5 words in a sentence
- Is about 90-100% intelligible to an unfamiliar person (e.g., a person at the store can understand about 100% of what your child says)
- Uses many of these sounds: /b/, /p/, /t/, /d/, /m/, /h/, /g/, /k/, /f/, /w/, y/ and all vowels
- Uses ending of words (“ed,” “s,” “ing”) ** Uses “ed” consistently
- Can repeat 3 random numbers (3,5,8)
- Tells at least 4 of the following: first name, age, the city he lives, last name, boy or girl, telephone number
- Can tell the names of two playmates (not including siblings)
- Knows the names of numbers and counts as they point to each individual item
- Counts to 15
Receptively
- Understands and answers complex questions like “What do you do when you’re tired?”
- Follows 3-step unrelated commands
- Answers “Wh” questions (typically by age 3)
Play/ Functional Skills
- Puts clothes on by him/herself
- Starts to understand the concept of time and the order of daily activities (e.g., breakfast is in the morning)
- Recognizes some letters and can name a few colors & shapes
- Pretends to be someone or something else (typically by age 3)
- Takes turns during a game (typically by age 3)
*Before reading this checklist, be sure to read through the language checklist for two-year-olds here and for three-year-olds here. For more information refer to the ages and stages handout for more information here.
Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in the Iowa City, IA area and Des Moines, IA area. We provide individual speech-language therapy and tutoring as well as offering small group academic programs. At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center our passion is to help kids achieve effective communication skills and gain academic success. Contact us for more information on how we can help your child succeed.
info@enrichmenttherapies.com
740 Community Drive, Unit A
North Liberty, IA 52317
319-626-2553
infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com
5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300
Johnston, IA 50131
515-419-4270
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