Communication is multifaceted and looks a little bit different for every child. However, there are some general language abilities and milestones we can expect to see by a certain age. The following is an outline of language skills that most two-year-olds display.
Expressive Skills
Expressive language abilities relate to what your child produces (verbal speech, gestures, etc.). Signs that your child is developing expressive skills include:
- the child learning and using new words regularly
- referring to self by name
- verbalizing to request objects/wants/needs (e.g., the child says “ball” when they want the ball)
- using 2-word phrases (e.g., “more juice” or “ball up”)
- using action words, like “running” or “jump”
- responding to greetings consistently
- answering simple questions
- using vowels and has the following sounds: /t, b, m, p/
- adults can understand about 50-75% of what your child says
- naming one color
Receptive Skills
Receptive language abilities are related to what your child understands. Look for the following examples when assessing your child’s progress:
- follows 2-step commands independently (e.g., put the ball in the box, then give me the keys)
- identifies familiar objects
- understands bigger/smaller size concepts
- understands verbs (e.g., eat, drink, sleep)
- answers yes/no questions correctly
- identifies basic body parts
Play Skills
Play comprises expressive and receptive language, as well as the social-emotional component of language. Children who are learning play skills exhibit the following behaviors:
- participates in a play routine/scheme for at least one minute
- pretends to pour from a container
- stacks and assembles toys
- pretends to talk on the telephone
- demonstrates parallel play with other children
- uses a doll as a playmate
Individualized Support at ETLC
It is important to remember that every child develops at their own rate. If your two-year-old has not mastered everything on this list, do not worry. If you do have concerns with your child’s language development, contact us today to schedule a consultation, screening, or evaluation with a speech-language pathologist and get your questions answered.
Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available. We provide individualized speech-language therapy, dyslexia and reading intervention, academic support, and executive functioning services to help children build skills and confidence. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your child.
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