O'DOCHARTAIGH ASSOCIATES

CHILDREN'S LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

• Talking With Children

From 3 to 4 Years Old:

   * Likes to listen to the same story, nursery rhyme, etc. over 
     and over - can recite many from memory.

   * Asks lots of questions, especially "Why?"

   * Listens in order to learn.

   * May use foul language.

   * Speaks in 3-5 word sentences; has a vocabulary of 900-1500
     words.




From 4 to 5 Years Old:

   * Carries on long conversations, often involving fantasy.

   * Confuses fact with fiction.

   * May still use foul language occasionally.

   * Shows a sense of humor - enjoys silliness in books 
     and stories.

   * Speaks in 4-5 word sentences; has a vocabulary of 
     1500-2000 words.





From 5 to 6 Years Old:

   * Speaks well, usually without too many errors.

   * Loves to learn new words and definitions.

   * Has a vocabulary of about 2200 words.

Tips For Talking With Pre-schoolers:

   * Read to children when you can, and play guessing games 
     with them.

   * Don't ignore the many questions your child has - try to
     answer them simply.

   * Control behavior verbally by offering a simple explanation.

   * Don't make too big a deal of foul language - redirect kids
     to another activity.




Tips For Talking With Older Pre-schoolers:

   * Try not to overcorrect children's errors in speech.

   * Give more detailed explanations to questions, and explain
     the meanings of new words.

   * Let kids try to "read" by interpreting pictures.




Tips For Talking With School-age Kids:

   * Play memory games - teach kids to remember their full name,
     age, address, birthday, phone number.

   * Read often to children, and encourage them to "act out"
     favorite stories.

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