Every child progresses at their own pace, but knowing the typical speech and language milestones from 1 to 5 years helps you celebrate achievements and spot when extra support may be needed.
1–2 Years: Building First Words
- Vocabulary grows from a handful of words at 12 months to 50+ words by 24 months
- Uses 2-word phrases (“more juice,” “mama up”)
- Understands simple commands (“sit down,” “give me ball”)
- Imitates animal sounds and everyday noises
- Points to named objects or pictures in books
Tips for parents:
- Narrate daily routines (e.g., “Now we wash hands.”)
- Pause after speaking to let your child respond
- Read simple picture books daily
2–3 Years: Expanding Vocabulary & Sentences
- Knows names of common objects and body parts
- Uses 3- to 4-word sentences (“I want cookie,” “Daddy go work”)
- Begins to use pronouns (“I,” “you,” “mine”)
- Follows two-part directions (“Pick up the toy and put it on the shelf”)
- Speech is 50–75% intelligible to strangers
Tips for parents:
- Ask simple “what” and “where” questions (“Where’s your nose?”)
- Model correct grammar gently (“Yes, that is the ball.”)
- Sing action songs and play rhyming games
3–4 Years: Complex Sentences & Storytelling
- Uses sentences of 4–5 words, often telling short stories
- Understands spatial concepts (“in,” “on,” “under,” “behind”)
- Asks “why” and “how” questions to learn about the world
- Pronunciation improves; most consonants are clear
- Follows multi-step instructions (“Put your shoes on, then get your coat.”)
Tips for parents:
- Encourage pretend play and role-playing (“Let’s be doctors.”)
- Expand on your child’s sentences (“You want more juice? Here’s your juice.”)
- Read longer stories, pausing to ask what happens next
4–5 Years: Polishing Speech & Language Skills
- Engages in back-and-forth conversations with peers and adults
- Uses compound and complex sentences (“When we finish lunch, let’s go outside.”)
- Tells detailed stories with beginning, middle, and end
- Understands time concepts (“yesterday,” “tomorrow,” “first, second, third”)
- Speech is almost fully intelligible to strangers
Tips for parents:
- Play “story builder” games: take turns adding sentences
- Introduce simple “why” riddles and encourage explanations
- Practice rhyming and word games (“Cat, hat, bat… what rhymes with bat?”)
When to Seek Support
Consider a speech-language evaluation if by age 3 years your child:
- Struggles to string words together
- Is difficult for family and friends to understand
- Uses few gestures (pointing, waving)
Or by age 5 years if your child:
- Has trouble telling a simple story
- Mispronounces many sounds that interfere with understanding
Early intervention by a speech therapist can boost confidence and keep language development on track.
At Laura Cramb Speech Therapy, we partner with families from infancy through school entry, using play-based strategies to turn everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities. Ready to nurture your child’s voice? Visit lauracrambspeechtherapyinc.co.za or call +27 72 667 0883 for a consultation.
