Our ability to use language is what separates us from the animals. This is why, despite our size, we have reached the top of the food chain. Researchers suggest that the average full grown adult knows approximately 60, 000 words, numbers, and acronyms. So how many words should your newly communicating child know? Here is list a the 25 words your two year old should know and use. Now, before we get all excited about whether or not your child knows every word on the list, these are subjective. Some families use different languages, words,and contexts. Some children enjoy using some words and not others. Additionally this is a general age between 2-3 years old. If your child turned two yesterday and isn't saying all these words don't be too concerned. You are the parent and will know best if your child is or is not developing new skills.
- all gone
- baby
- ball
- banana
- bath
- bye bye
- book
- car
- cat
- cookie
- daddy
- dog
- eye
- hat
- hello/hi
- hot
- juice
- milk
- mommy
- more
- no
- nose
- shoe
- thank you
- yes
This list was comprised by Bryn Mawr Child Study Institute as the building blocks to language development. They state that the average two year old has between 25-225 words and some phrases. I don't suggest running out to see a doctor if your child can't say every word on the list. But this could be a way of measuring you child's development to see if you should be monitoring their development further.
Researchers have suggested that those children who signed (Baby Sign Language) as a baby use more words, use full sentences earlier, and generally read faster and more often. This is because baby sign language introduces an infant to language and communication as early as six months. These infants are being taught that they can use other means of communication besides spoken words. Most people don't understand that effective communication consists of more than just words. Effective communication involves words, tones of voice and body language. Have you ever noticed that the best public speakers use their hands when talking? This give you something to watch while listening, thus engaging more than just the listeners ears.
