Skill· 10mo–2.2y· 4 min

Growing Vocabulary

Parent observes expressive and receptive vocabulary growth, fine-motor object manipulation, and early direction-following: number of spoken words, identifying objects and clothing, pointing to body parts, pincer grasp, releasing objects, and following simple spoken commands. Covers twelve language, fine-motor, and comprehension milestones at 12-24mo.

Start voice activity

Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.

What you'll need

3-5 familiar household objects on the table in front of the child. Small container nearby. Clothing item visible. No book open yet.

How it works

  1. 1~90s

    Let's start with words. Think about all the words your child uses regularly — any clear, intentional word counts, even approximations like 'ba' for ball if they uses it consistently. How many distinct words does your child say? Then: point to the objects on the table one at a time — cup, spoon, ball — and ask 'What's this?' or 'Can you say cup?' What does your child say?

    Watch for: Child says one or more words

  2. 2~90s

    Now two pointing and identifying tests. First: lay the 3-5 objects on the table and ask your child to point to one — 'Where's the ball?' or 'Show me the cup.' Try at least 3 objects. Does your child point to the right one? Then: ask your child to point to body parts — 'Where's your nose? Your eyes? Your tummy?' How does your child do? And separately: hold up a shoe or sock and ask 'What's this?' or 'Can you show me your shoe?' Tell me how each goes.

    Watch for: Child identifies 2 familiar objects when named

  3. 3~60s

    Two final tests. First: give your child a simple two-word command in context — 'Give me [object]', 'Put it in', 'Come here', 'Show me [object].' Try 2-3 commands. Does your child respond appropriately? Now the fine-motor test: put some small objects — blocks, pieces of cereal, or similar — on the table. Watch how your child picks them up: does they use a pincer grip (thumb and index finger), or rake with the whole hand? And when your child wants to put something down or hand it to you, does they release it cleanly or just drop it? Tell me both.

    Watch for: Child follows simple spoken directions

What this develops

Visual example

Coming soon