Primary Communication

• Language development starts early, with nouns being predominant.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  When a child begins to speak she will imitate sounds that she has been hearing in her environment. She might say "ba" for bottle or "da" for daddy. She will focus on words that get her what she wants or that help her to receive attention from the people in her immediate location. These are the building blocks for preschool language development that will lead her to her first words.
  
  

First Words

• Simple nouns like "ball" are typical first words for toddlers.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  A child's first 50 words or so will focus on nouns and, in particular, things. Children will learn the names of the things that they are interested in, such as "car" or "ball." They are also inclined to learn the names of things they want or need, such as "milk" or "diaper." Most of these items will be things that the child can handle in his hands, and they will have important meaning to him.
  
  

Word Flow

• Once toddlers know 50 words their language development skyrockets.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  After the child has learned her first 50 words she will go through a huge cognitive growth period in which she learns several new words each day. She will be excited to speak her new words and to learn more as she reads books, listens to music and interacts with the people who surround her. She may even begin to put two words together to create simple phrases.
  
  

Language Expansion

• Parents can help their child to build a strong vocabulary.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  When children are beginning to add phrases into their speech it is important to help them continue to expand their repertoire of nouns. The more nouns that a child understands and uses, the more he can communicate effectively. Using simple picture flashcards to teach children nouns proves to be an exciting game for them, and they find satisfaction in the praise they receive from a correct answer. Another way to help expand the vocabulary of preschoolers is to read books to them each day. When reading, the adult should point out the nouns in the book (both the written word and the corresponding picture). An informal way to teach vocabulary is by pointing out the names of things as the parents and toddlers are out around town: at the grocery store, at the park, in the kitchen or at a doctor's office.