Milestones

* Understands ‘left’ and ‘right’

* Understands most concepts of time

* Uses more complex descriptions

* Understands spatial relations like ‘on top’, ‘behind’, ‘far’ and ‘near’

* Knows his address

* Knows common opposites like ‘big/small’

* Understands ‘same’ and ‘different’

* Has a sentence length of 5 – 6 words

* Defines objects by their use and can tell what objects are made of

* Counts up to 10 objects

* Asks questions

* Names letters and numbers

Warning signs

* Does your child have trouble coping in kindergarten?

* Do unfamiliar adults find him difficult to understand when he talks?

Activities to Encourage your Child’s Language abilities

* Continue to read longer stories

* Listen to him when he talks to you

* Comment on what you did or what you think your child feels

* Use longer, adult like speech with your 5-year old. They will generally understand more than they can say.

* Encourage child to discuss feelings, ideas, or thoughts. Try to stimulate, and carry on a conversation. Comment frequently on what you think your child is feeling/thinking to encourage conversation.

* Look at family photos and talk about your family members

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• Article Courtesy of Isabel Tan Cjinh Ping, Senior Speech Therapist
• Bachelor of Speech Pathology, University of Queensland, Australia (1999)
• Public Service Commission Scholarship Awardee 1995