Developing understanding of language 
comes before talking
Children learn to talk by hearing words over and over again.
They need to hear a new word many, many times, and understand it, before they are able to try to say them themselves.
Understanding language can also be called 'receptive language' or 'comprehension'.
Click on the link below to find out more about children's development of receptive language.
What can I do to help my child develop understanding?
General Strategies:
Using symbolic sounds e.g. brum, meow
‘Talking Time’ with my child
Specific Areas:
How can I help my child understand language at different ages / stages?
Developing big and little
Developing location knowledge - Prepositions
Concept Development: What to Expect and When
Concept Development for Key Stage 1 and 2
Concept Development for Key Stage 3 and 4
You can monitor your child's early vocabulary development using our First Words List
Developing vocabulary - Antonyms and synonyms
How to Refer
Click here to find out how to refer a child.