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Your 3 Year Old: Motor, Cognitive, Verbal, and Social Skills

By , About.com Guide

Verbal Skills Commonly Mastered by Age 3
In many ways the development of speech marks a significant change for your entire family. As your little one is able to express her needs and wants, you may be able to avoid those behavior meltdowns that often occurred because she couldn't tell you want she wanted. Some of the advances in language you may see this year include:
  • follow one- or two-part commands
  • use names for family and friends
  • name common objects
  • understand most of what you say (everyday conversation)
  • speak five word sentences
  • uses pronouns (I , you, me, we, they ) and some plurals
  • speaks clear enough for strangers to understand most words
  • begin to enjoy rhymes and silly plays on language (putting wrong words into favorite songs
  • understand "mine"
  • use "me" and "you" appropriately
  • tell stories
  • carry on a conversation of two to three sentences
  • enjoy books and stories
  • ask simple questions

Highlight: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is greater variation in language development among children of this age than in any other area of development. There is a wide range of "normal" and some common variations. For instance, girls' language skills often develop earlier than boys. Some young children are also naturally chatty while others are quiet. A child may have extremely well-developed language skills, but she may choose not to speak much. While being aware of language delays to watch out for, try not to compare your child's verbal skills to others.

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