- match primary colors, name one color
- begin to follow instructions such as "Put the block under the chair."
- use words to relate observations, concepts, ideas, and relationships
- frequently practice by talking to himself
- know his or her last name, sex, and several nursery rhymes
- tell a story or relay an idea to someone
- have an average sentence length of 3 to 4 words
- have a vocabulary of nearly 1,000 words
- sing songs
- ask "what" questions often
- have his or her speech understood by a stranger

You can stimulate the three year old’s speech and language by...

- continuing to extend his or her conversation
- using words he or she has trouble with frequently in your speech
- teaching your child relationships of words, objects, and ideas
- talking about similarities or differences between things
- encouraging the child to tell stories using books and pictures
- letting the child play with other children
- reading longer stories to the child
- paying attention to the child when he’s talking, remembering that repeating words and sounds is normal during this period of growth

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