Speech, Language and Communication

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The early years of a child's life, from birth to five years old, are a critical period for the development of speech, language, and communication skills. This lays the foundation for a child's ability to express themselves, understand others, and engage with the world around them.

As children progress from babbling as infants to forming sentences as pre-schoolers, they pass through several key developmental stages that are vital for their linguistic and social abilities. Understanding these stages helps parents and caregivers support children effectively as they navigate this crucial journey of speech, language, and communication development.

Every Child is Different

Developmental milestones are the points that all of us progress through as we move into adulthood. They describe the different areas that we progress in.

The steps on the Speech and Language Journey below are created based on what skills children usually display at each age. You should remember that all children are different and they all learn new skills at slightly different rates.

Whilst it is completely natural to be concerned about your baby or child meeting their developmental milestones, you should try to not get too focused on exactly when your child reaches individual milestones – these developmental milestones are a really useful guide of whether your child is on track.

“For some children not reaching milestones can be one of the signs that let parents and professionals know a child could need extra support. In the early weeks and months of your baby’s life the ‘milestones’ come thick and fast. As they get older developmental changes might not happen as obviously, or as often, but your child is still developing and changing.

Parents and carers are vital in helping children meet their potential. The time you spend talking, playing, praising and guiding your child will give them the confidence and opportunity to learn more about themselves, what they can do, and about the world around them.”

Developmental Milestones (justonenorfolk.nhs.uk)

Explore the Speech and Language Journey

Antenatal (whilst you are pregnant)

Talk and sing to me whilst I am in your tummy

Did you know...?

I can hear you from about 16 weeks and can hear your heartbeat and noises outside of your body by about 23 weeks

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0-12 months

I was born ready to learn language from you

Did you know...?

I can recognise familiar faces and start to recognise my name by my 1^st birthday

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1-2 years

The more you talk to me, the more words I will learn

Did you know...?

I talk to myself lots when I am playing. This is where I am practicing using language

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2-3 years

Play with me, sing to me and talk to me all the time

Did you know...?

I can remember short stories with pictures

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3-4 years

Talk to me about feelings, emotions and all the new things that I am fascinated by

Did you know...?

I enjoy listening to storybooks with pictures and can answer some questions about a story we’ve just read together

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4-5 years

I love to talk and tell you about my day

Did you know...?

I can listen and follow instructions whilst I am doing other activities

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Screentime

Screentime doesn’t always support your child to learn more words. Have a look at this link from BBC Tiny Happy People to help you to make a decision on how to use screentime to support your child’s development safely.

Tips and advice for screen time with kids

Dummies

Using a dummy can help your baby to soothe when they are going to sleep. If they are alert and awake, take the dummy out to allow them to play with sounds and make lots of noises. This link from BBC Tiny Happy People gives you lots of advice on when you should stop using a dummy with your child.

BBC Tiny Happy People - Stopping dummy use