How A Child's Speech And Language Develops (2-5 years)

Between the ages of 2 years and 5 years, most children learn a great deal. The number of words they can say increases quickly. They talk more and they ask lots of questions. They enjoy listening to stories and music. By the time your child is ready to go to school, he or she should be able to speak and listen well.

By 3-4 years, most
children will:

When to call for help:

• use sentences of 4 to 6 words
• give directions like "fix this for me"
• ask many questions like what, where, why
• tell about things they have done
• talk to themselves and their toys
• tell a story or sing a song
• tell you when they are tired

• Your child repeats words but does not seem to understand.
  
• Your child stutters.
  
• Other people have a hard time understanding what your child says.
  
• Your child uses words in an unusual way.