Richmond, Sydney   (02) 4555 1870 & Tuggerah, Central Coast  (02) 4307 7914
Communication | Development

Language

Receptive Language

Receptive Language is understanding. It is made up of being able to understand what is said around you and/or what you read.

As children develop they are expected to understand more and more of what is said to them. As they go to school they are also required to understand what they are reading. Different areas of receptive language include understanding:
  • Instructions (pick up your shoes, put the rubbish in the bin, write a short paragraph)
  • Basic concepts/vocabulary (top/ bottom, wet/dry, first/second/last)
  • Inhibitory words (no, wait, stop)
  • Questions (where did you go? What happened at school?)
  • How and why words can be categorised together (apple and banana are fruit)
  • Stories (main idea, details, inferring and predicting)
  • Meaning of words and that meaning can change in context
  • Indirect requests and ‘play on words’ comments (it’s raining cats and dogs)

Expressive Language

Expressive Language is talking. It is made up of using different words, grammar and sentences to express yourself verbally and in writing.

As children develop they are expected to be able to express their needs and wants in a way that others can understand. Different areas of expressive language include being able to:
  • Use spontaneous words to communicate
  • Request items (I want the ball)
  • Ask questions (what’s for dinner? Who is that?)
  • Put words together in sentences appropriate for age
  • Grammar (he/she, her/his, me/I)
  • Say complex sentences (using words such as because, although, until)
  • Give clear instructions
  • Telling stories in logical manner with all the details
  • Use specific vocabulary
Are your child’s language skills appropriate? Find out here.

Your Next Steps

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