Pre-School Language Checklist

A pre-school child could have language difficulties if the child:

- has a history of middle ear infections (glue ear) or hearing impairment

- relies on gesture instead of words to communicate ideas

- has a limited vocabulary compared to others of the same age

- has problems finding the right word (for example, calls a dog, a cat), uses non-specific words (stuff, sort of, that thing) or fills speech with pauses and ‘ums’

- makes grammatical errors typical of a younger child

- has problems constructing complex sentences (using words like because, so, but and or to join ideas within a sentence) compared to others of the same age

- has problems following two-part instructions (for example, Put the teddy away and get your book)

-has problems following the sequence of events in a simple story read to them

-has problems following the rules of conversation compared to others of the same age (for example, doesn’t respond to questions, talks over the top of others all the time, has problems staying on topic)

- becomes frustrated, upset or aggressive when unable toq express himself or herself

Other Checklists: Infant,  Primary School,  High School

Fast ForWord can help children with language difficulties. Find out more about the program.

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