Learning Children’s Milestones

  Children go through many developmental stages as they grow to maturity. 

Support Language

Families can look for these stages and share progress with their doctor at every well-child visit.  Physicians stress that it is never too early to help our children learn at every developmental stage by talking, reading, and singing.
Support Language
  From birth to two months babies make gurgling sounds and turn their heads toward sounds.  Families can respond to babies and reinforce that behavior. When babies smile, gurgle, and coo they are talking to us and it is important to talk back and smile. Physicians encourage families to hold them, cuddle, smile, and read to them in soft friendly voices.
  At four months babies begin to babble with expression and copy sounds they hear.  Talk back to them in their babbling language and with adult language. They may often babble when you read to them like they are reading along.
  By six months babies respond to sounds by making sounds.  They will respond to their own name and start making the “m” and “b” sounds.
  They understand “No” by nine months and make many different syllables like “mamama” and ” bababa.” Families can see language developing and can help by reading, talking and singing at meals, while playing, dressing, riding in the car, preparing for nap time and before bed. Hold them by a window and tell them about their world.
  By 12 months toddlers shake their heads “no” and wave “bye bye.”  They will copy words they hear.
Read, Talk, Sing
Single recognizable words appear about 18 months and they point to what they want. When they point, fill in the words. “Oh, you want the red ball.” Help children turn pages of thick cardboard books and point out pictures while describing them.

Read, Talk, Sing

By two years, children will point to things or pictures when named. They will often say sentences with two to four words and follow one-step simple instructions.
  In the third year, children may follow 2 and 3 step instructions. They can carry on a conversation with two or three sentences.  Non-family members unaccustomed to their speech may understand them.
  By four years old they can tell stories.  They know some basic rules of language grammar as long as adults continue to use correct language around them.
By five years they mostly speak

Stages are Milestones

clearly and can use future tense like “Grandpa will be here soon.”
  If families are ever worried about milestones physicians urge them to discuss this with their physician. Acting early makes a difference.
  For more information check the cdc.gov/Concerned and cdc.gov/ActEarly websites. 
Photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest