Here’s a fantastic checklist for you to gauge your child’s speech and language development…
Communication Checklist
6 Months
- Looks or turns in the direction of sounds.
- Babbling is more speech-like with different sounds such as "bababa," "mamama."
- Vocalizes when excited or unhappy.
1 Year
- Uses gestures such as waving "bye-bye," shaking head for "no," or pointing to objects.
- Recognizes words for common items like "cup," "shoe," or "juice."
- Begins to respond to requests such as, "Come here," or "You want more?"
- Has 1 or 2 words such as, "bye-bye" or "mama."
2 Years
- Uses 100-150 words and says new words regularly.
- Puts 2 words together to create short phrases such as, “Where kitty?” or “Mommy book."
- Follows two-step directions.
3 Years
- Has a word for almost everything.
- Combines 3 or more words to talk about things.
- Speech is understood by familiar listeners most of the time.
Activity of the Month: Wacky Wednesday Bath Night
Before bath time take a few minutes and round up some objects that you would not typically find in the bath. These things might include a spoon, an odd sock, a plastic clothes hanger or ice cubes. For younger kids label each object before they see it and then plop it in the tub for an unexpected new bath toy. For older kids try describing the object or its function before they see it and have them guess what it is.
If you have concerns or questions about your child's speech and language development please feel free to contact us at (905) 637-5522 or at info@slhunter.ca.
In the month of May, S.L. Hunter Speechworks is offering $20 screenings at our offices in Burlington and Grimsby. Please contact us for more information.
