at 3 Years
| Characteristics | Things to do |
| By 3½ most children know 1200 words.
They know more words than they speak. Some 3 year olds have trouble
saying all the sounds of the language. Some 3 year olds stutter. It
is best to relax and wait for them to say what they want. Telling
them to slow down can make stuttering worse. This is the age of “Why?”.
Sometimes your child really wants to know “why?”. Sometimes
she just needs your attention. At 3 years, children with speech problems are eligible for speech therapy at their local schools. Call your school district’s special education department for information. |
Children learn new words by hearing them in a meaningful way. Reading out loud teaches them new words they may not hear in speech. Try to talk “with” your child not “at” her. See how many turns back and forth you can get. Ask more than “yes” and “no” questions. Ask, “What do you think is going on in this picture?” Answering your child's “whys” will help her learn. If you don't know the answer say, “I don't know. What do you think?” or “Let's find out.” |