Discover & learn

Importance Of Language Development For 2 Year Olds

First words are a milestone in children's development. Studies have shown that two-year-old children who use more verbs have more advanced grammatical skills six months later.
Importance Of Language Development For 2 Year Olds Importance Of Language Development For 2 Year Olds

 

When children start to use their first words, they usually say the names of people and objects (nouns), then by two years of age, they will also start using action words (verbs). Studies have shown that two-year-old children who use more verbs have more advanced grammatical skills six months later. Verbs are an important part of language development because they allow children to start combining words and forming phrases and sentences.

 

First Words – How many words should a 2 year old say?

At two years of age, toddlers should typically have about 50 different verbs in their vocabulary. Whereas a limited verb vocabulary (indicating risk of language impairment) would be about four verbs.

 

How many verbs should my toddler be gaining?

Typically, toddlers gain about eight new verbs each month (which gradually slows down over time). Sometimes, toddlers who have only a few verbs just prior to 24 months, suddenly gain new verbs very quickly, gaining up to 14 verbs per month and catching up to their peers. Other times, toddlers with limited verbs at 24 months continue to gain new verbs slowly which may be cause for concern, highlighting a risk of language impairment.

How can you help increase your toddler’s verb vocabulary?

Try to model verbs for your toddler in a meaningful way. For example, you can say the name of an action you are performing while acting the action out. You may be playing with playdough and a rolling pin and you could say ‘rolling-rolling-rolling’ while completing the action. Also talk about the things your child likes to do. If your toddler likes playing with a ball you can repeat the action words ‘kick’, ‘catch’, ‘throw’, ‘roll’ and ‘go’. Don’t forget to repeat verbs in many different situations as children need to hear new words many times before they start using them.

 

For more great reading see:
Child Developmental Milestones: A Checklist for Babies & Toddlers

Music and Childhood Development

Raising A Child With More Than One Language

 

 

Discover how Only About Children supports your child's development

Discover & learn

Only About Children can help your child to grow, make friends and explore the world.

Only About Children can help your child to grow, make friends and explore the world.

Related Reads

Transforming the Curriculum through Art at Fairlight 1
Transforming the Curriculum through Art at Fairlight 1 Transforming the Curriculum through Art at Fairlight 1
Community

Transforming the Curriculum through Art at Fairlight 1

At Fairlight 1, our Annual Art Show celebrates the integration of art into our curriculum. Featuring child-led projects in painting, sculpture, photography, and even 3D creations, the event showcases the children's creativity, inspired by artists, books, and sustainability themes.
OAC Rhodes Art Show: A Creative Celebration with Rhodes Quarter
OAC Rhodes Art Show: A Creative Celebration with Rhodes Quarter OAC Rhodes Art Show: A Creative Celebration with Rhodes Quarter
Community

OAC Rhodes Art Show: A Creative Celebration with Rhodes Quarter

Join us for the OAC Rhodes Art Show in November 2024, supported by Rhodes Quarter! Featuring child-led artwork from Nursery to Preschool (6 weeks to 6 years), the event will be held in the public corporate park with food trucks on site. Stay tuned for more details!
5 Ways To Be A Happy Working Parent
5 Ways To Be A Happy Working Parent 5 Ways To Be A Happy Working Parent
Discover & learn

5 Ways To Be A Happy Working Parent

Working parents often feel like we’re running just to stand still. We have limited time, limited energy and too much to do. It’s easy to end up feeling guilty - like we aren’t succeeding in being the parents we want to be - yet there’s no time for fitting in any more. Parenting expert Anita Cleare, author of The Work/Parent Switch, shares five tips to help parents win at working parenthood.