The preschool age is a wonderful time during childhood and I really enjoyed teaching children in this age group. They are interested in learning about any topic from bugs to space and have countless questions for you to answer. Developmentally, they should be at a level to really express their needs and some of them have even mastered the art of talking back.
If you are wondering where your four year old should be when it comes to language development, then please read this post. Before you do, however; remember that all children fall in a range of normalcy and will develop their language at a different rate than other children. Also remember that children that are a younger sibling often talk much later than their older siblings, usually the reason for this is the fact that their older sibling does the talking for them. Another fact to be aware of is second languages. Children who are learning two languages in the first five years, their families native tongue and their countries native tongue, may take a bit longer to develop their language skills but don’t worry, in no time they will be able to speak in not one but two languages clearly.
Where your four year old should be in language development:
- Questions, questions and questions: Your four year old should be the quiz master at this age. He or she should be able to ask where, why, and what and will readily do so much to the frustration of parents. My son often used the phrase, “Are we there yet?” until I was ready to install a sound proof glass partition in my van, similar to the ones found in limousines that separates the driver from the passengers. After he realized that I was sick of that question, he adapted it and will often say, “How long until we are there?” See the difference, it isn’t much better but now that he has learned time, I just point him to the clock, ramble off a time when I think we will be there and he gets to watch the clock without pestering me every 2 seconds.
- Telling stories: Your four year old should be able to tell stories that he or she either makes up or repeats from a favorite story book. On top of that, he or she should be able to sing songs and probably does so on a daily basis if he or she is in a daycare setting.
- Give and take conversations: Your child should be able to have a give and take conversation with you where they are stringing 4 to 6 words together to form a sentence.
- Talk to their toys: Although it may not seem like a big thing, it is important for your child to talk to him or herself, toys and imaginary friends at this age.
- Talk about themselves: Your four year old should be able to talk about the day he or she had, and about any feelings that he or she may have. This kind of goes into the give and take conversations and I suggest that you enjoy it now because once they get to elementary school, trying to get any information out of them about their day is like pulling teeth.
- Give directions: A four year old should be able to give simple directions.
If you are worried about your child’s language development, please speak with your pediatrician.
There are many ways to encourage your child’s language development but it basically comes down with interactions. Read to your child, preferrably on a daily basis, enjoy conversations with your child and also give indications that you are listening to them. Repeat parts of their sentences and when they mispronounce a word, use it in your reply correctly. Don’t point out that they said it wrong, simply say it the right way.
You will find that language skills will soar when you spend the time in activities that create a healthy bond between you and your child. Just remember to not rush it and allow your child the opportunity to grow at his or her own rate.
All the best,
Sirena Van Schaik
