A toddler in a patterned sweatshirt concentrates on stacking colorful translucent blocks at a table, with his reflection visible in a mirror behind the blocks. Photos of children playing are displayed on the wall above.
Your child from 11–23 Months

Language Development

How do children develop language?

How do children develop language?

  • Understanding many words
  • Following simple directions
  • Using single words and short phrases
  • Combining gestures, sounds, and words in simple back‑and‑forth exchanges
  • Using names for people and familiar objects

Each child develops at their own pace and may show some skills earlier or later than others; the videos provide a few examples of how children may demonstrate these skills and concepts.

How do children learn language by engaging with caregivers and other children?

Children learn language by following another person’s gaze or gesture, by looking between another person and an object of shared attention, and by showing an understanding of new words experienced during interactions.

What are the caregivers doing to help the children learn new words?

Additional Videos

Foundation 1.2: Understanding Language

11–23 Months

How do children learn to engage in conversations?

Children strengthen their communication and speaking skills as they use gestures, a few words, or babbles to respond to communication from another person or to start conversations with that person.

What do you notice about the length of each back-and-forth communication?

Additional Videos

Foundation 2.2: Emerging Conversation Skills

11–23 Months

How do children engage with books, stories, songs, and rhymes?

Children engage with books by listening to and watching caregivers read a book, by pointing to pages, and by making short comments.

How would you describe the children’s level of interest in the books?

Additional Videos

Foundation 3.2: Understanding Meaning From Books and Stories

11–23 Months