Speech and Language Development: 3 to 4 Years

Age

Understanding Sounds/Words (Receptive Language)

3 years

• Knows action words (For example: Can point to the correct picture when asked, “Which one can you ride?”
• Understands size differences (big/little).
• Understands long sentences.
• Understands prepositions (on, under, behind).
• Stays with one activity 8 or 9 minutes.

• Uses 4-5 word sentences.
• Refers to self by using own name.
• Uses pronouns correctly (I, you, he, me, etc).
• Names colors.
• Asks a lot of questions (ex. What’s that Why?).
• Should be able to say about 1,000 words and almost everything your child says can be understood by a stranger.

• Read stories to your child.
• Spend time allowing your child to talk with you.
• Teach your child how things work.
• Encourage play with other children.
• Encourage your child to tell you stories.
• Listen to your child and show that you are pleased by your child’s talking.

4 years

• Understands time and future (ex. “next month” or “early in the morning”)
• Knows what things are used for (ex. “What do you do with a cup?”)
• Understands prepositions (on, under, behind)
• Stays with one activity 11 to 12 minutes.

• Uses 4-5 word sentences and some 7-8 word sentences
• Asks a lot of questions
• Has a vocabulary of about 1500 words and can be understood by strangers
• Knows at least 4 colors
• Uses contractions like “It’s a” or “Don’t go”
• Uses past tense
• Count to 3

• Read long stories with your child.
• Spend time allowing your child to talk with you.
• Help your child to understand different grouping (ex. “What
  are things that you eat?” or “What are things that you ride?”)
• Help your child plan things like what you will do on the weekend.
• Help your child learn your address, phone number, count.