Skill· 2.2y–3.3y· 5 min

Talk and Tell

Parent elicits expressive language to observe sentence length, question formation, pronoun use, singing, whispered speech, greeting, and conversational turn-taking. Covers seventeen language production milestones at 28-38mo.

Start voice activity

Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.

What you'll need

Sit with your child in a quiet moment. A picture book nearby is helpful. No tests or formal setting needed.

How it works

  1. 1~120s

    Let's find out where your child's language is right now. Ask your child about something they loves — a pet, a favourite toy, a recent outing — and let your child talk. Listen for: How many different words does your child use regularly? Does your child speak in short sentences of 2-3 words? Longer sentences of 4-5 words? Does a stranger coming over to listen understand most of what your child says? Tell me what you hear.

    Watch for: Child says five or more separate words

  2. 2~90s

    Now listen for three things. First: does your child ask questions using 'what', 'where', 'why', 'who', or 'when'? Just this week — any question words? Second: does your child use pronouns — 'I', 'you', 'he', 'she', 'they' — in conversation? And third: does your child ask 'why?' a lot right now — about how things work, why things happen? If not recently, prompt your child: 'Why do you think the dog is barking?' and see what happens. Tell me all three.

    Watch for: Child asks questions using question words

  3. 3~60s

    Two final language tests. First: can your child sing a short song or say a nursery rhyme from memory? Ask your child to sing a favourite. Listen for actual words — not just melody hum. Second: does your child whisper? Ask your child: 'Can you say something in a tiny quiet voice? Like a secret!' And third — observation only: does your child greet neighbours or other familiar people independently, like 'Hi!' or their name, without being prompted? Tell me all three.

    Watch for: Child sings a short song or recites nursery rhyme

What this develops

Visual example

Coming soon