What should I expect for my child's language development?

We like these guidelines:

AGE	Comprehension	Expression	Use of Language
18 months	Points to familiar and common objects on re quest Understands  simple commands (e.g. Pick it up, fetch your shoes)	Uses at least 10 words meaningfully Attempts imitation of  words and short phrases Chatters nonsense to self with wide range of different sounds and intonations	Responds to other people e.g. answering questions
2 years	Shows body parts on request Associates 2 nouns in a simple command (e.g. put the paper in the bin)	Spontaneous use of approx 50 words which can be understood by familiar adults	Starts conversations with others
2 1/5 years	Understands simple short stories and conversations Follows simple stories with  pictures	Combines 3 words Begins to ask questions, use negatives and adjectives Participates in  rhymes and songs	Carries on conversation for several turns Responds to other peoples conversation
3 years	Selects objects pictures in relation to verb (which one do we wear?) Understands common prepositions (in, on, under, behind)	4 to 5 word sentences which are intelligible to most people Using plurals and past tenses, not always correctly Asking what, where, who questions
4 years	Gives solutions to situations (what do you do when you are cold), Identifies some colours, comparatives and superlatives (big, bigger, biggest)	Uses complete sentences Asks ‘why’, ‘when’ and sometimes ‘how Relates stories and simple sequences of events’	Enjoys jokes Talks about own experiences Assume adult  shares their knowledge
5 Years	Follows a simple story without pictures Asks meaning of abstract words Size, shape, colour, quantity and position words used as aids to reasoning and understanding	Mastering irregular nouns and verbs (mice, men, drank, say)

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