Ages 24‑30 Months

Language Development

  • Be prepared to answer a lot of questions.
  • Talk and read to your toddler whenever you can. Listen to audiotapes and CDs of nursery rhymes together.
  • Use correct pronouns in sentences. For example, instead of saying, "Mommy is going out," say, "I am going out."
  • Look at family pictures with your toddler and use simple sentences to describe what is happening: "This was Sarah's birthday party."
What Your Toddler is Likely to Do
  • Use personal pronouns such as “I,” “me,” and “you.”
  • Put together simple two‑word sentences.
  • Say his or her first and last names.
  • Answer simple questions, such as, “What’s your name?”
  • Enjoy looking at books and talking about the pictures.
  • Sing parts of songs.
  • Ask many questions.
Other Things Your Toddler May Do
  • Use words that describe, such as “big,” “dirty,” “wet,” or “hot.”
  • Talk more in interactions and during stories.
  • Know and say details about her‑ or himself, such as name and age.
  • Understand two‑step directions: “Please go into the kitchen and bring me the big spoon.”
  • Recite a few simple nursery rhymes.
  • Use plurals in a general way. Your toddler will likely say “foots” instead of “feet.”

Encouraging Different Languages
If your family members speak more than one language, consider passing on this gift to your toddler. Here are some strategies:

  • Use two languages from the start. For example, one parent or caregiver can use one language while the other parent or caregiver uses another language.
  • Or, use only one language at home, and your toddler can learn the second language in the community, at daycare, or at playschool.
How You Can Help Language Development
  • Talk and read to your toddler whenever you can.
  • Listen to audiotapes and CDs of nursery rhymes together.
  • Use correct pronouns in sentences. For example, instead of saying, “Mommy is going out,” say, “I am going out.”
  • Show your toddler that you are interested in what she or he says by repeating it back.
  • Look at family pictures with your toddler and use simple sentences to describe what is happening: “This was Sarah’s birthday party.”
  • Play language games, such as “Where Is Your Ear?”
  • Be prepared to answer a lot of questions.