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Between the ages of 2 and 3, sentence length increases. Syntax, the combining of words and phrases to form sentences, doubles each month. There are enormous leaps in the number of words children use. By age 6, a typical child's vocabulary is around 14,000 words and is acquired at a rate of nearly one new word everyone 2 hours, 24 hours per day.

They manage this feat through a process known as fast mapping, or the process in which new words are associated with their meaning after only a brief encounter. By age 3, children use plurals and possessive forms of nouns (boys/boy's) employee the past tense (adding -ed), use articles (a, the), and can ask and answer complex questions (Where did you say my book is?). Preschoolers begin to acquire the principles of grammar and grow in pragmatic abilities. These skills allow children to understand the basics of conversations.

Preschoolers engage mostly in private speech, spoken language that is not intended for others. The use of private speech allows children to practice the practical skills required in conversation. Vygotsky argues that private speech facilitates children's thinking, and helps them control their behaviors, solve problems, and reflect. Social speech is speech directed toward another person and meant to be understood by that person. Social speech grows during the preschool years.

Let's watch a video about language development in our early life. Click the link below to view a video about language development in our early lives. Pay particular attention to the Lucky Lucy and Poor Pete. What lessons can we learn from Lucy and Pete? Can Pete catch up? If so, what strategies are necessary to help him catch up to Lucy? If not, how will this effect the remainder of Pete's life?

Language: The First Five Years