You may see the number of words your child can use getting bigger every day! Eighteen month olds typically blossom with new language skills. They can name many objects and actions, ask questions and string a few words together to make sentences. Some of what your child says may be difficult to understand, but with time, you can puzzle it out.
Reading books aloud is very important. Children who are read to are better prepared to learn to read. Listening to books and stories is also a great way to develop your child's language skills. At eighteen months, children typically can point to named objects and actions in pictures. They may listen to a story for a minute or longer. And they may have a favorite book that they want you to read over and over again. Reading together is a great way for a toddler to learn and it will create lasting memories for your child.
Make simple books with your toddler. Take photos of your toddler throughout the day. Choose photos of activities and toys that your toddler will recognize. Paste the photos on heavy paper and fasten the papers together to make a book. Toddlers love "reading" all about themselves!
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011