Speech, Swallowing, & Voice Specialists of Hawaii
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2-3 YEARS OLD
Typical milestones during this age range
Speech/Language
Understands opposite words, such as go-stop, bit-little, and up-down
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Follows 2-part directions, such as "Get the spoon and put it on the table"
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Understands new words quickly
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Has a word for familiar people, places, things, and actions
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Talks about things that are not in the room
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Talks during pretend play, such as saying, beep-beep when moving cars
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Uses k, g, f, t, d, and n in words
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Uses words like in, on, and under
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Asks why?
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Puts 3 words together to talk about and ask for things
Speech/Language skills involve a great deal of motor and sensory components. For this reason, some motor and sensory milestones for this age group are also listed below as a delay or disturbance in either could influence your child's speech/language development.
Motor
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(Usually by 2 years)
Stands on tiptoe
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Kicks a ball
Begins to run
Climbs onto and down from furniture without help
Walks up and down stairs holding on
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Throws ball overhand
Draws or copies straight lines and circles​​
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(Closer to 3 years)
Climbs well
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Runs easily
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Pedals a tricycle (3-wheel bike)
Jumping in place
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Walks up and down stairs, one foot at a time
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Using scissors
Sensory
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Enjoys swinging, being thrown in air, and roughhousing
Able to participate in messy activities that result in dirty hands
Aware of sensation such as a wet diaper or underpants
Able to tolerate and stay calm during haircuts and while clipping fingernails