24-30 Months: Toddler Talk -- Observation Record

How does the toddler show her understanding of words, questions, and directions?

Toddlers show their understanding of words and their messages by the way they respond to what people say to them. They can follow simple directions, respond to questions, and understand beginning concepts of space (position words) and sequence (routines).

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Answer questions–respond when asked, "What's this?" as she looks through a book with you.
• Catch your meaning–show she understands position words, such as, "Put your shoes in the closet" or "Please put your plate on the table."
• Follow directions–respond successfully to two-step requests, such as, "Please get my sweater and bring it to me."
• Wonder about "where"–get her coat from the hook and ask, "Where are we going?"
• Get the big picture–understand increasingly complex ideas, such as, "When we finish our story, we'll have a snack."

How does this toddler show she understands words? (Include dates.)

How does the toddler use words and conventions of speech to express her thoughts and ideas?

Two-year-olds show their fascination with language by expressing their needs, making demands, and talking about things that have happened. Their language skills develop on individual time schedules. They use about 50 to 300 words. Some toddlers are putting three or four words into sentences.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• "Read" the pictures–label objects in pictures and comment about what's happening in the picture.
• Talk about her day–use words to tell you about the new toy a friend brought to school that morning.
• Memorize things–sing songs or recite finger plays from memory, getting most of the words right.
• Let you know–use language with increasing clarity to ask for what she wants.
• Explain how it works–use words to describe what you do with an object, such as saying "Mommy's hair" when picking up a comb, rather than simply demonstrating how to use it.

How does this toddler use words to communicate? (Include dates.)

How does the toddler show interest in and some ability to participate in conversations?

Toddlers are finding more and more ways to enter and take part in conversations. They particularly enjoy the power of asking "why" questions.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Start a conversation–point to a picture in a book and ask, "What's that lady doing?"
• Add to a story–add her own words to another person's description of the trip to the museum.
• Ask "why?"–start to ask "Why?" as part of every conversation, often because she really wants to know.
• Get involved–make up stories as a way to enter conversations.
• Invite you to talk–show a caregiver a toy and try to engage her in a conversation about the toy.

In what ways does this toddler try to participate in conversations? (Include dates.)