What to Expect from Your Toddler’s Speech

Ages two through three are a sensitive period for speech and language development. Toddlers begin to rapidly acquire new words and they develop the means to string these words together. By enrolling your Toddler in a Montessori School, you can ensure that he or she will be nurtured within a language-rich environment. Montessori education encourages young learners to develop the self-confidence they need for good communication skills.

Words

When your child is between 19 and 30 months, you can generally expect him or her to have a vocabulary of about 200 words. Toddlers learn new words rapidly, particularly when their parents and Montessori teachers read to them regularly. Another way to support new acquisitions to your child’s vocabulary is to talk to your child frequently, such as by narrating your own actions as you prepare dinner.

Sentences

By the age of two, children typically begin putting two words together in simple constructions such as, “More milk.” As they approach their third birthday, they begin to use three-word sentences such as, “Want more milk.”

Speech Usages

Toddlers begin to learn how to use their speech for a variety of purposes, including statements and questions. Before the age of two, your child likely used gestures to get your attention or to ask for something. Between the ages of two and three, your child is more likely to use speech for these reasons.

Comprehension

Your Toddler’s understanding of the speech of others will improve, but so too will others’ ability to comprehend your Toddler’s speech. As your child approaches his or her third birthday, family members and others who spend time with him or her should be able to understand your child at least most of the time.

Starwood Academy of Frisco offers flexible schedules for young learners in our Toddler Program, which provides a gentle transition into our Primary Program. In our Montessori School in Frisco, teachers promote oral language development through multi-sensorial activities such as songs and rhymes. Parents can call us at (972) 885-8585 with any questions they may have about our school or supplemental curriculum.