Naming things: how the skill grows from 14 to 36 months
Naming things means saying the names of people, objects, foods and actions. Spoken vocabulary grows quickly in the third year, especially through books, routines and play.
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Naming things: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: Names pictures. Names a picture in a book when you point and ask.
Activities that fit this step
- Ice Tray Snack Picking · 12–18 months · 5–10 min
- Real-Things Basket · 12–18 months · 4–10 min
- Window Watch Talk · 12–24 months · 3–8 min
Next step: Picks up new words. Uses a new word after hearing it a few times.
Activities that fit this step
- Meet the Potty · 15–36 months · 2–5 min
- Potty Picture Book Talk · 15–36 months · 3–8 min
- Grocery Tote Unpack · 16–26 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Names actions. Says "eating", "jump" or "sleeping" for what someone is doing.
Activities that fit this step
- Wet or Dry? Diaper Check Talk · 18–36 months · 2–5 min
- Unpack the Shopping Tote · 20–28 months · 5–12 min
- Two-Hoop Nature Sort · 20–32 months · 8–15 min
Next step: Names out in the world. Names things in a shop or park without being asked.
Activities that fit this step
- Family Photo Action Talk · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
- Potato Scrub at the Basin · 24–34 months · 10–15 min
- Crayon Leaf Rubbings · 24–36 months · 5–12 min
Top of the ladder (names out in the world). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Mystery Tote Bag Guess · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
- Paper-Page Picture Book Turns · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
- Tissue Box Mystery Feel · 30–36 months · 5–10 min
The naming things ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 14 to 36 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Names favorites
Says "ball", "dog" or "milk" for the real things.
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Names pictures
Names a picture in a book when you point and ask.
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Picks up new words
Uses a new word after hearing it a few times.
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Names actions
Says "eating", "jump" or "sleeping" for what someone is doing.
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Names out in the world
Names things in a shop or park without being asked.
When naming things usually shows up
Trying at least three words besides "mama" or "dada" is a CDC 18-month milestone; saying about 50 words and naming pictures in a book are 30-month milestones; and saying what action is happening in a picture is a 36-month milestone.
This page follows naming things from 14 to 36 months, a window that spans the 15-month, 18-month, 24-month, 30-month and 36-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 21 activities practise naming things (2 as their main skill), for ages 12 to 36 months. 3 of them need no prep and take 10 minutes or less. By age, they sit closest to steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the 5-step ladder.
Related items appear on the CDC checklists for 18 months, 30 months and 36 months.
Related milestones
CDC checklist items (paraphrased) that involve naming things. Checklists are for monitoring, not a test.
| Checklist | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 18 months | Attempts at least three words besides "mama" or "dada". |
| 30 months | Tells you the name of a picture in a book when you point and ask what it is. |
| 30 months | Uses around 50 words. |
| 36 months | Tells you what is happening in a picture or book when asked, such as "eating" or "running". |
Activities that practise naming things
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 6 language, 5 practical life, 4 cognitive, 3 fine motor, 1 creativity & pretend, 1 early concepts and 1 social-emotional. Quickest to start: Meet the Potty (2–5 minutes).
Step 1: Names favorites
Step 2: Names pictures
Step 3: Picks up new words
Step 4: Names actions
Step 5: Names out in the world
Skills practised alongside
The activities for naming things most often also work on conversation turns (3), household helping (3), pointing to show (3), potty awareness (3) and using objects the right way (3). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Talk through routines: "Socks, shoes, coat, door."
- In books, point and pause instead of asking "What's this?" every time.
- Use specific names ("tractor", "whisk") as well as general ones.
What to avoid
- Drilling words with flashcards or apps; talk about real things instead.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If your child is not saying about 50 words by 30 months, or cannot name pictures in familiar books, mention it at the visit. Ask about speech and hearing checks and about Early Intervention, which you can contact yourself.
Worried about naming things between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start naming things?
Trying at least three words besides "mama" or "dada" is a CDC 18-month milestone; saying about 50 words and naming pictures in a book are 30-month milestones; and saying what action is happening in a picture is a 36-month milestone. The first step to look for: says "ball", "dog" or "milk" for the real things.
How can I help my toddler with naming things?
Talk through routines: "Socks, shoes, coat, door." In books, point and pause instead of asking "What's this?" every time. A good first activity is Ice Tray Snack Picking (12–18 months).
What should I avoid when practising naming things?
Drilling words with flashcards or apps; talk about real things instead.
When should I mention naming things to the pediatrician?
If your child is not saying about 50 words by 30 months, or cannot name pictures in familiar books, mention it at the visit. Ask about speech and hearing checks and about Early Intervention, which you can contact yourself. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.