The most critical period for a child’s auditory development is before the age of two. Children who lack auditory stimulation during this critical period will have difficulty learning language later in life. From the age of 2 to 7 years, the brain’s ability to learn to make sounds and form language gradually deteriorates, and with it the difficulty of learning language (see page 24 for more information). However, children’s language development varies greatly from one child to another, so the critical periods described above are only for most children.
0 – 3 months
Responds to loud noises (wakes up, startles or stares).
Recognizes the voice of the parent.
Responds to familiar sounds (becomes quiet, smiles).
Can look around for the source of the sound when spoken to.
Makes pleasant loud noises: cooing, giggles softly.
Has a special way of crying (cries when hungry).
3-6 months
Begins to develop his own “baby language” (also called babble)
Pay attention to the sound of music.
Can recognize friendly or angry sounds.
Can find the source of the sound and can hear his own name.
Uses different crying sounds and will stop crying when spoken to.
6-9 months
The “baby language” is getting richer.
Listens to music attentively and responds to his own name.
Understands simple verbal commands.
Can recognize the names of simple objects.
9-12 Months
Can startle/shout.
Says first words (daddy, mommy, byebye)
Understands simple commands
Can understand simple questions (e.g., Where is the ball?)
12-18 months
Can say sentences made up of one word.
Can understand and say 20 words. The amount of words learned increases each year.
Can ask simple questions.
Children use words more than actions to express their requests.
18-24 months
Can say sentences consisting of 2-3 words. Can understand simple instructions.
Understands simple questions. Enjoys listening to stories.
Will soon be able to understand complex sentences.
Can point out parts of their body when asked.
2-3 years old
Can speak in simple sentences.
Understands and can say more than 200 words.
Can perform some simple tasks.
Can correctly point to pictures in books when asked.
3-4 years old
The child speaks clearly enough to be understood by people outside the family.
Can speak in sentences of 4 or more words.
Speech and comprehension are progressing rapidly.