9-12 months old can startle/shout. Says first word (daddy, mommy, byebye) Understands simple commands Understands simple questions (e.g., Where’s the ball?) 14 All for the Children 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. The child uses words more than actions to express what he or she wants. 18-24 months Speaks sentences of 2-3 words. Understands 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 say simple sentences. Understands and can say more than 200 words. Can perform simple tasks. Can correctly point to pictures in a book when asked. 3-4 year olds speak 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.