Receptive Language

Your Child's Listening Skills Are Growing His Capacity for Following Instructions

Between ages three and four, your child is adding about 50 words a month to his vocabulary. This means his capacity for understanding and following instructions is also growing, especially if the instructions relate to something that is part of his daily routine. For example, he may put on his shoes and coat when you ask him to get ready to go outside. He may help you set the table, putting a napkin at each place setting. You could also ask him to pick out several books for story time and bring them to you at the couch. However, his listening skills are still growing, so be sure you have his full attention when you start to give an instruction, or you may find that he only followed half of it!

Has your child achieved the following Following Rules and Routines developmental milestones yet? If yes, check off all of the skill(s) he has already mastered to date.