Communication Norms

Communication Milestones: 1-5 years old

Language Milestones

1-2 years

Points to body parts and clothing items
Follows basic 1 step directions ("Go get shoes")
Formulates 2 word phrases ("My cup")
Uses basic pronouns (me, I, it)
Uses intonation to ask yes/no questions
Answers simple yes/no and WH- questions (who, what, where, when, why) by pointing or using single words
Has approximately 50-100 words by 18 months, and 200-300 words by 24 months

2-3 years

Follows basic 2 step directions
Understands basic WH- questions (who, what, where, when, why)
Understands quantity, size and spatial concepts
Uses 3-4 word phrases to request and comment
Uses plural nouns, pronouns and prepositions
Engages in longer dialogues
Asks for help
Vocabulary of approximately 1,000 words

3-4 years

Understands compound and complex sentences
Understands complex concepts (empty, same, both, next to, beside, between)
Identifies colors
Formulates 4+ word phrases
Expresses ideas and feelings
Engages in conversation
Asks "what", "where", "when", "how" and
"is" questions
Vocabulary of approximately 1,600 words

4-5 years

Follows 3 step directions
Answers "when" and "how many" questions
Listens to and answers questions about short stories
Uses complex grammar (irregular and past tense verbs)
Explains how to do things
Vocabulary of approximately 2,200-2,500 words

Speech Milestones

7-12 months

Consonant-vowel becomes more "adult-like"
Some reduplicated syllables "baba"
Uses sounds: H, D, B, M, T, G, S, W, N, K, J, P and vowels

1-2 years

Speech sound development continues
Phonological processes (ex. substitution of sounds)
Speech should be understood 25-50% of the time

2-3 years

Speech should be understood 50-75% of the time
Extinction of phonological processes (final consonant or unstressed syllable deletion)

3-4 years

Speech should be understood 75-90% of the time
Extinction of phonological processes (fronting, deaffrication, cluster reduction)
Mastered sounds: P, B, M, T, D, N, K, G, H, W and vowels

4-5 years

Speech should be understood 90-100% of the time
Sounds inventory includes nearly all sounds
Mastered sounds: F, V, Y, S, Z, SH, CH, J

MidCoast SLP clinicians are extensively trained in a variety of communication disorders across the lifespan and specialize in treating the pediatric population. Please contact us today for a free consultation.

COMMUNICATION MILESTONES: School Aged Kids

Kindergarten–1st Grade (Ages 5–7)

Speech is mostly clear and easy for others to understand.
Can tell short stories and describe simple events in order.
Follows multi-step directions (e.g., “Get your shoes on, grab your coat, and wait by the door.”).
Asks and answers questions to share ideas and learn new information.
Begins understanding word meanings, categories, and basic grammar (plurals, past tense, etc.).

2nd–3rd Grade (Ages 7–9)

Uses complete, detailed sentences to explain thoughts and experiences.
Understands and uses more complex grammar and vocabulary.
Can stay on topic and take turns in conversation.
Retells stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Understands nonliteral language (e.g., jokes) and starts adjusting language for different listeners.

4th–6th Grade (Ages 9–12)

Expresses ideas clearly in conversations, writing, and presentations.
Understands abstract and figurative language (sarcasm, multiple meanings).
Organizes longer stories and explanations logically.
Uses language to persuade, plan, and solve problems with peers.
Demonstrates fluent, confident speech with few articulation or rate concerns.