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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Speech and Language Milestones, Ages 3 to 5 Years

Overview

Language and communication milestones relate to two areas:

  • Receptive language. This is the ability to understand words and sounds.
  • Expressive language. This is the ability to use speech and gestures to communicate meaning.

A child's language and communication skills become more advanced starting around age 3 through age 5. Receptive language skills during this period become more sophisticated. A child learns to make subtle distinctions between objects and relationships. Also, the child can understand multi-step requests. Most children also gradually speak more fluently and use proper grammar more consistently.

Language and communication milestones
AgeMilestones
3-year-olds:
  • Talk with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges.
  • Ask "who," "what," "where," and "why" questions.
  • Say what action is happening in a book or picture when asked.
  • Say their first name when asked.
  • Talk well enough for other people to understand most of the time.
4-year-olds:
  • Say sentences with four or more words.
  • Say some words from a song, story, or nursery rhyme.
  • Talk about at least one thing that happened during their day.
  • Answer simple questions.
5-year-olds:
  • Tell a story they heard or made up with at least two events.
  • Answer simple questions about a book or story after you read it or tell it to them.
  • Keep a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges.
  • Use or recognize simple rhymes.

Credits

Current as of: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Happy Upcoming Retirement, Dr. Counts!

After 31 years of dedicated care, Dr. Wynd Counts will be retiring on November 14, 2025. We are grateful for her incredible impact and invite you to join us in congratulating her on a well-earned retirement. Her trusted colleagues at Women’s Care of Alaska will continue to provide the exceptional care you deserve.

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