Ages 18‑24 Months

Language Development

• Ask simple questions starting with "what" or "where."
• Read age-appropriate books as often as you can.
• Build upon what your toddler says. For instance, if your toddler says, "cat," respond with "Yes! That's a black cat."
• Point out the names of things around your home and outside.

What Your Toddler is Likely to Do

• Use two‑ to three‑word sentences: “More milk please.”
• Use about 200 words.
• Ask for help using words or actions.
• Talk in a run‑on flow of words while talking to stuffed animals or to her‑ or himself. The words may not make sense.
• Name some pictures in a book.
• Copy new words and phrases you say: “Go bye‑bye.” “Grandpa’s car.”

Other Things Your Toddler May Do

• Sing simple songs with words and actions.
• Begin to be understood by others outside the family.
• Start to use plurals.
• Use the past tense.
• Copy or request new words.

How You Can Help Language Development

• Ask simple questions starting with “what” or “where.”
• Read to your toddler as often as you can.
• Build upon what your toddler says. For instance, if you toddler says, “cat,” respond with “Yes! That’s a black cat.”
• Listen carefully to your toddler and try to find the meaning in what she or he says by asking questions.
• Point out the names of things around your home and outside.
• Take your toddler to the library to get books and stories on tapes or CDs.