A Specialist Paediatric Speech-Language Pathologist outlines the early communication and language skills to expect at two years of age and provides tips.

At two years old, a child is expected to have at least fifty words in their vocabulary and to be saying two and three word phrases. Answering simple questions is also generally expected.

Communication and early language skills of two year olds include:

Says Two-Three Word Phrases Spontaneously

Two-year-old toddlers are often able to initiate two-three word phrases, allowing them to participate in adult-like conversations.

Imitates Four-Five Word Phrases

Children of this age are keen develop their language skills and learn by copying adults and older children. They can usually manage four-five word phrases

Have At Least Fifty Words In Their Vocabulary

An important milestone for two-year-olds is to have at least fifty words in their spontaneous vocabulary. These are mostly nouns (naming words for objects/people), greetings, and other key words such as “more”.

Listens To Stories

Animated adults reading illustrated books often captivate children. Books teach new words that may not be heard in everyday conversations. For example, a book on visiting the zoo with each animal clearly introduced on each page exposes children to additional vocabulary.

Identifies And Verbally Labels Pictures In Books

A familiarity with books leads to children interacting with the storyteller. Books are fantastic catalysts for language development.

Chats To Themselves When Playing

Children need to practice their talking skills, which is best achieved during play.

Says Pronouns

Toddlers begin to become aware of others around them. As well as using names, they also start to understand the concepts of “he” and “she”

Can Identify At Least Six Body Parts

During daily self-care tasks such as having a bath, getting dressed, eating and play, children will start to become aware of body parts. These may include “hands”, “legs”, “nose” and “mouth”.

Follows Two-Step Instructions

Children will start to be able to follow simple instructions such as “Please pick up the ball and put it in the box.”

Answers Simple Questions

Although children aren’t yet ready to ask questions, they can understand easy questions, such as “Where is teddy?” This is because children’s receptive language skills (understanding of words and language) develops faster than their expressive language skills (spoken use of words and language)

Uses His Or Her On Name

Being able to identify themselves is an important language milestone for any child. Teaching children to say their whole name is always advisable.

Sings Parts Of Nursery Rhymes

Toddlers start to enjoy and attempt to sing along with music. This gives them a meaningful opportunity to practise using their words.

Can Use Negative Phrases

It’s a powerful and useful skill for toddlers to be able to communicate variations of “no”

Starts To Use Past Tense

Around the age of two years children start to grasp the idea of described past actions and experiment with grammar. They may be able to say “walked” instead of “walk”.

Can Say The Following Sounds: “b”, “p”, “m”, “g”, “k”, “h”, “w”, “d”, “t” “n”

It doesn't matter if children say these sounds in the wrong places in words at this age, as long as the sounds can be heard in their talking.

From the age of two a toddler's vocabularly is an explosion of words. This can be supported by patient adults who simplify their language and interact with toddlers reguarly. Should their be any concerns regarding language development, it's advisable to make an appointment to see a speech language therapist/speech pathologist.