Pre-Reading Milestones for 18 Months to 23 Months

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Turns book pages without help — especially “chubby” book pages made of thick cardboard
Tries scribbling with chalk, crayons, paint or washable markers
Shows increasing skill in picking up smaller objects with fingers
Uses both hands to pick up, hold or carry things

Names several familiar objects and pictures
Uses short phrases when talking, such as “Mommy come,” “See Daddy,” “Want juice”
Follows simple directions — “Bring me your shoes; we are going outside.”
Brings books to you to read
Imitates your words and actions — tries to copy you by pretending to cook, shave, take care of a doll or stuffed animal, or use play tools

Build daily routines around books and reading, such as during naptime or bedtime.
Read stories about your child’s current experiences — this helps your child make connections and understand significant events in her life (potty training, visiting grandparents, being sick).
Ask your child to point to and name pictures in books.
Let your child turn the pages in books. Choose books for tiny hands and fingers, such as books made of thick cardboard, cloth or plastic baby-safe material.
Elaborate on your child’s language — if your child says “truck,” you say, “Yes, it’s a big yellow dump truck.”
Provide sidewalk chalk, markers or non-toxic paint for your child to use to scribble.

Stops using words — suddenly seems socially withdrawn (“in her own world”) and does not use words that she previously used
Has trouble understanding simple spoken language — needs you to show her what you are saying in order to understand
Does not say several words and short phrases
Does not walk independently — should be able to walk without holding on to furniture or another person
Shows odd, repeated movements with body or objects — examples include spinning her body or objects frequently (multiple times per day) or focusing obsessively on one part of a toy, such as the wheels on a car, rather than playing with the toy like other children the same age

More Fun Ideas

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