At two years old your child will...

- understand simple questions and commands
- identify body parts
- carry on "conversation" with self and dolls
- ask "what’s this?", what’s that?", and "where’s my _______ ?"
- compose sentences 2 or 3 words in length
- refer to self by name
- use two-word negative phrases such as "not go," "not right," "no want"
- form some plurals by adding "s", such as book/books
- have about 300 words in his or her vocabulary
- ask for drink, toilet, food
- listen to stories with pictures

You can stimulate the two-year-old child’s speech by...

- reading books with simple colorful pictures
- being a good speech model
- repeating new words many
- helping your child listen and follow instructions by playing games: "pick up the ball," "touch Mommy’s nose"
- talking about what you are doing
- playing records
- listening to your child when he or she is talking; never say, "I don’t understand you"
- praising the child for telling you some of the things he or she is doing and for the child’s efforts to say things
- taking the child on trips and talking about what you see
- carrying on a conversation with the child
- asking the child a question to stimulate additional thought and language

Provided for you by the Speech & Hearing Board of the Baptist Health Care Foundation and United Way Agency. If this information raises concerns regarding your child you may call the following for further information:

- Baptist Hospital Speech & Hearing Clinic  (850) 434-4957
- Speech Department of West Florida Hospital  (850) 494-6140
- Audiology Clinic Escambia District Schools (850) 459-7472