Ages & Stages: 2 Years

​Language and Comprehension

• Points to recognized objects

• Points to a few body parts when asked

• Recognizes when name is called

• Understands simple verbs such as “eat” and “sleep”

• Points to pictures in a book when named

• Follows simple, one-step commands (e.g. “Roll the ball”)

• Understands simple questions (e.g. “Where’s your shoe?”)

• Recognizes pictures of familiar people

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​Language expression

• Uses 10 to 20 words

• Speaks in one and two word phrases such as “more milk”

• Uses words to make his or her wants known “more”, “no”, “help”

• Begins to use pronouns such as “mine”

• Makes animal sounds, such as “moo”

• Babbles during play

• Begins to sing simple tunes

• Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words

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Pragmatics​

• Requests objects by pointing and vocalizing or possibly using a word approximation

• Brings objects to show an adult

• Says “bye” and possibly a few other conversational ritual words such as “hi”, “thank you”, and “please”

• Acknowledges speech of another by giving eye contact, vocally responding, or repeating a word

• Likes to imitate others

• Teases, scolds, warns others by using a gesture with a vocalization or word approximation

• Imitates intonation

• Perceives others’ emotions.

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Play​

• Enjoys solitary or self-play

• Scribbles with a crayon

• Puts objects in and out of containers

• Imitates actions (sweeping, combing hair)

• Pulls toys, carries or hugs dolls

• Shifts attention rapidly

• Enjoys exploring, gets into everything, and requires constant supervision

• Tries to do many things by him or herself

• Talk with your child about everyday things. At this age your child’s language development will seem to explode.

• Expand on what your child says by adding one word. When your child says “dog,” you say, “nice doggie.”

• Talk to your child about new environments and situations before you go and, while you are there.

• Teach your child simple finger games such as “Eensy Weensy Spider.”