The importance of understanding (or as the scientists say – ‘receptive language’)

We wait enthusiastically for each new word our toddler says – but talking is just the tip of the iceberg! Your toddler is learning so much as you chat with them and as they see and hear people having conversations.  

Your toddler understands more than they say  

We don’t think you’ll be surprised by this. Their receptive language (how they understand language) has been developing since they were a baby; they’ll have responded to things like their name, and names of favourite people or toys.  

Your toddler can probably follow an instruction with one main point in it but might not understand all the words in longer sentences.  

They will understand more in familiar situations and daily routines. They will also notice which words seem important and might practise saying these more often than others.  

Your toddler’s language development involves not just understanding words, but also how, when and why people say things. They learn this from chatting, listening and watching.  

All of this lays the foundations for and supports the development of your toddler’s talk.  

An explosion of words 

Your toddler will begin to put two words together, but keep using some one-word phrases and some babble or jargon. You’ll notice this decreases as their vocabulary grows – so now might be the time to record some babble in their scrapbook on the app, as their speech will progress quickly.   

Your toddler will listen to what you say and might repeat these words. They might point or gesture to new things to request that you tell them the word for it.  

You can help your toddler now by talking with them about anything they’re interested in and listening to what they have to say.  

And it’s ok if sometimes you feel all chatted out – maybe a friend or family member would enjoy a conversation with your toddler while you have some quiet time.  

Reference: 

Macroy-Higgins, M. & Kolker, C. (2017). Time to talk. What you need to know about your child’s speech and language development. AMACOM.