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 three-year-olds display.
Expressive Skills
Expressive language abilities relate to what your child produces (verbal speech, gestures, etc.).
- Combines 3-4 words in a phrase or sentence
- Uses many of these sounds: /b, p, t, d, m, n, h, g, k, f, w/ and all vowels
- Is about 75% intelligible to an unfamiliar person (e.g., your neighbor, family friend, etc. can understand about 75% of what your child says)
- Says their first and last name
- Uses nouns, verbs, and pronouns in spontaneous (non-imitated) speech (e.g., My ball rolls)
- Uses all words like “a”, “the”, “am”, “is”, and “are” in sentences
- Can tell at least three items from a common category (e.g., Tell me something you can eat)
- Tells at least two things about an object (e.g., Tell me about your toy)
Receptive Skills
Receptive language abilities are related to what your child understands.
- Follows 3-step commands independently
- Can identify which object is the smallest from a group of three
- Understands pronouns (e.g., me, your, my)
- Answers a variety of wh- questions (e.g., what, where, when, why, who)
- Identifies parts of an object (e.g., body parts or things that you wear)
Play Skills
Play comprises expressive and receptive language, as well as the social-emotional component of language.
- Pretends to be someone or something else
- Takes reciprocal turns during a game
- Counts one-to-one correspondence
- Participates in a play scheme for at least one minute with a familiar adult
It is important to remember that every child develops at their own rate. If your three-year-old has not mastered everything on this list, do not worry. If you do have concerns with your child’s language development, consider a consultation, screening, or evaluation with a speech-language pathologist to get your questions answered.
ETLC Offers Individualized Speech Support
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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