Does your child…

By 12 months

• Use 3 to 5 words?
• Follow simple one-step directions – “sit down”?
• Use gestures – point, wave “bye-bye”, shake head “no”?

By 18 months

• Use 20 words?
• point to several body parts when asked?
• Make at least 4 consonant sounds – p,b,m,n,d,g,w,h?
• Use pretend play – give teddy a drink?

By 24 months

• Use 100 to 150 words?
• Use 2 word sentences – “daddy hat”, “more milk”?
• Follow two-step directions – “Go find your teddy bear and show it to Grandma.”?

Answered “no” to any questions?

Call (613) 580-6744 ext. 28020 and speak with an Ottawa Public Health nurse or attend one of our screening clinics to have your child’s speech and language development checked.
Getting help early is important!

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Think “E-I-E-I-O” to communicate with your child

Explore together

• Be face to face while you play, sing, read and talk.
• Name and describe things you see and actions you do together.
• Repeat words often: “shoe OFF, sock OFF, shirt OFF”.

Imitate and Interpret

• Imitate: copy what your child says and does all day long, every day.
• Interpret: when your child points, smiles, makes sounds or uses words, say what you think he means.

Expand and Extend

• Expand on what your child says by adding 1 or 2 words.  If she says “tat”, you say “Big cat. Cat running.”
• Extend with a new idea.  If he says “tat”, you say “The cat has claws to climb the tree.”

Include choices

• Use simple questions instead of Yes or No questions:  “Do you want to wear the striped or plain shirt?”

Observe, Wait and Follow your child’s lead

• Take turns listening and talking.
• Watch, wait and get interested in your child.
• Let him take the lead when playing, reading and talking together.

Talk with your child every day,  so your child can talk by 2!