NHS Scotland

Speech, language and communication

Giving children the best possible start in life
Icon

Receptive Language Development Guide

The ability to understand language develops over time and children generally understand more words than they can say.

Children start by understanding single words and looking for clues from the situation.

They then develop their ability to understand two- and three-word phrases and simple instructions.

The understanding of some questions can be harder and takes time to develop.

Home / Introduction / Receptive language development guide

1

Year

  • Understands simple naming words e.g. body parts
  • Recognises and points to familiar objects

2

Years

  • Understands early action words e.g. cry, jump, want
  • Can follow short instructions e.g. brush dolly’s hair
  • Understands simple questions e.g ‘where’s mummy’s car?’

3-4

Years

  • Understands longer instructions
  • Understands ‘who, ‘where’, ‘what’ questions
  • Understands colour, number and time related words

4-5

Years

  • Understands conversations
  • Understands ‘why’ questions
  • Understands more complicated language e.g. behind, above, first, last

Install this webapp on your iPhone: tap and then Add to Home Screen.