LANGUAGE

Language is how children understand and use words and sentences to communicate with others.

Receptive language is a child’s ability to understand what people say or write. This includes following directions, answering questions, and understanding concepts like where something is or what it looks like.

Some children have difficulty with receptive language. They may struggle to:

•  follow directions

•  answer questions

•  understand new words or ideas

Expressive language is a child’s ability to use words and sentences to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas. We rely on expressive language to talk with others, build relationships and participate in everyday activities.

Some children have difficulty with expressive language. They may struggle to:

•  ask questions

•  use full sentences or grammar

•  put words in the right order

•  name objects or pictures

•  tell a story

•  use words to express wants or feelings