Receptive language development in children aged 0-5 years
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Receptive language development in children aged 0-5 years
By Ruta Rosset, Speech and Language Pathologist
As children develop, they learn to listen and understand language. Below you will find a summary of the receptive language skills children generally attain at key milestones in their development.
Birth
Language learning starts at birth. Even new babies are aware of the sounds in their environment. They listen to the speech of those close to them, and startle or cry if there is an unexpected noise. Loud noises wake them, and they become still in response to new sounds.
0-3 months
Babies learn to turn to you when you speak, and smile when they hear your voice. In fact, they seem to recognize your familiar voice and will quieten at the sound of it if they are crying. Tiny babies under three months will also stop their activity and attend closely to the sound of an unfamiliar voice. They will often respond to comforting tones whether the voice is familiar or not.
4-6 months
Babies begin responding to the word “no.” They are also responsive to changes in your tone of voice and to sounds other than speech. For example, they can be fascinated by toys and other objects that make sounds, enjoy music and rhythm and look in an interested or apprehensive way for the source of all sorts of new sounds such as the vacuum or a dog barking.
7-12 months
The 7 to 12-month timeframe is exciting and fun as the baby now obviously listens when spoken to, turns and looks at your face when called by name and discovers the fun of games like “peek-a-boo” and “patty-cake.”
It is in this period that you realize he/she recognizes the names of familiar objects (“Daddy,” “car,” eyes,” “phone”) and begins to respond to requests (“give it to grandma”) and questions (“more juice?”).
1-2 years
Now your child points to pictures in a book when you name them, and can point to a few body parts when asked (nose, eyes, tummy).
He/she can also follow simple commands (“push the car,” “don’t touch; it’s hot”) and understands simple questions (“where’s the bunny?”, “what’s in the box?”).
Your toddler now likes listening to simple stories and enjoys when you sing songs or say rhymes. This is a stage in which he/she will want the same story, rhyme or game repeated many times.
2-3 years
By now your toddler will understand two-step commands (“Get your socks and put them in the basket”) and concepts or meanings like hot/cold, stop/go, in/out, and nice/yucky. He/she notices sounds like the telephone or doorbell ringing and may point or become excited, get you to answer, or attempt to do it themselves.
3-4 years
Your three or four-year-old understands simple “Who, What and Where?” questions, and can hear you when you call from another room. This is an age where hearing difficulties may become evident. If your child is non-responsive, appears to frequently misunderstand or you have any doubts, talk to your doctor about a hearing test for your child.
4-5 years
Children in this age range enjoy stories and can answer simple questions about them. He/she hears and understands nearly everything that is said (within reason) at home, school or in childcare.