Parent Resources
Guides and activities to support your child's speech and language development at home.
Speech & Language Milestones
Ages 1-2 Years
- Says first words (mama, dada)
- Points to objects when named
- Follows simple commands
- Uses 10-20 words by 18 months
Ages 2-3 Years
- Combines 2-3 words
- Uses 200+ words
- Asks simple questions
- Understands basic concepts
Ages 3-4 Years
- Uses 4-5 word sentences
- Tells simple stories
- Asks "why" questions
- Is understood by unfamiliar listeners
Ages 4-5 Years
- Uses complex sentences
- Understands time concepts
- Tells detailed stories
- Uses future tense
Building Language Through Play
Play is how kids naturally develop language skills. Here are some ways to turn playtime into learning time:
ðĪ Be a Sportscaster
Narrate what your child is doing: "Wow! You're stacking the blocks SO HIGH! Boom, they fell down!"
ðĪŠ Make Silly Mistakes
Say things wrong so they correct you: "Wait, does the cow say ROAR? Oh nooo!"
ð Turn Errands into Games
- TTC rides: "Next stop: DANFORTH! What starts with D?"
- Grocery store: "Should we get the BIG apples or the SMALL ones?"
Toronto-Specific Resources
- City of Toronto Communication Checklist â Free age-based self-check for your child's speech and language development
- Surrey Place Preschool Speech & Language Program â Free, provincially funded services for preschool-age children in Toronto
- EarlyON Centers â Free playgroups with language-rich activities
- Toronto Public Library â Board books, story time programs, and early literacy resources
Language Activities at Home
Reading Together
- Point to pictures and name them
- Ask "what happens next?"
- Act out the story
Singing & Rhyming
- Sing nursery rhymes together
- Make up silly rhymes
- Clap to the rhythm
Pretend Play
- Play with dolls or toy animals
- Build with blocks and describe
- Play "I spy" games
Daily Routines
- Describe what you're doing
- Name objects during bath time
- Talk about food during meals
Have questions about your child's development?
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