Communication Development: By 1 Year

Here is some information about how children's communication skills usually develop by the age of 1. Below are some activity suggestions to encourage communication from 1 year. Use the language that you are most familiar and comfortable with.

By 1 year, what should my child be able to say and do?

respond to common words such as "no!", "bye bye"
know the names of familiar things, such as māmā, teddy
show you objects to get your attention
be starting to use some single words
enjoy repetitive games with others, such as 'peek a boo'
take turns in conversations with adults by babbling; for example, "mumma mumma"
use their words and gestures to be social, to ask and to show
start to show an interest in looking at pictures in books
enjoy listening to songs and nursery rhymes

What are some tips to help my baby's communication development at 1 year?

get face to face with your baby
reduce background noise when playing and talking with your baby; for example, turn off the TV
copy your baby's babbling and take turns in a 'conversation'
talk to your baby when doing things together; for example, bath time, mealtimes

References:

If you would like to look at anything in more detail, this listing of references [1] might be a good starting point.

Acknowledgements:

The content on this page has been produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and adapted from Much more than words | Manuka takoto, kawea ake (2014) [2].

External links and downloads (see the online version for more information at other websites)

Who should I talk to if I am concerned about my child's communication? [3]

Talk to someone else who knows your child well; for example, your child’s teacher, doctor or a close family/whānau member. If you are still concerned, call the Ministry of Education at 0800 622 222 or check the Ministry of Education website for your local Ministry of Education office [4].

Information on communication development (Ministry of Education) [5]

[6]This booklet is for supporting the communication development of young children. Family/whānau, early childhood educators, kaiako, health professionals and others may find it useful. It includes information about typical communication development in young children and ideas for supporting them. The booklet was published by the Ministry of Education in 2014.

This page last reviewed 17 November 2020.
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