Receptive language

How a child understands words, sentences, instructions, questions and stories.

Expressive language

How a child uses words and sentences to share ideas, including vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure.

Vocabulary

The words a child understands and uses.

Grammar and sentence structure

How words are put together in sentences, including word order and tense.

Narrative and storytelling

The ability to tell and understand stories, sequence events and explain ideas.

Understanding concepts

Understanding ideas such as before/after, time, size, place and number.

Social use of language

How language is used in social situations, such as turn-taking, staying on topic and adjusting language for others.

Language develops gradually, and children progress at different rates.

Language Assessment

A language assessment is child-friendly and may include:

  • Following instructions and answering questions.
  • Using words, sentences and grammar.
  • Telling stories or explaining ideas.
  • Observing communication during play and conversation.

The assessment identifies strengths and areas needing support and guides therapy goals.

Language Therapy

Language therapy is tailored to each child and may:

  • Build understanding of spoken language.
  • Expand vocabulary and sentence skills.
  • Support storytelling and explanation.
  • Improve everyday language and social communication.

Families are given practical strategies to support language development at home and school.

For information on language development milestones visit: