Pointing to show: how the skill grows from 12 to 24 months
Pointing to show means pointing at or holding up something just to share it: an airplane, a dog, a leaf. It is about sharing interest with you rather than getting something. Holding up or bringing an object to show you is a CDC 15-month milestone, and pointing to show you something interesting is an 18-month milestone.
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Pointing to show: 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: Holds up to show. Holds a toy out toward you and watches your face.
Activities that fit this step
- Lap Book Point and Pause · 12–20 months · 3–10 min
- Window Watch Talk · 12–24 months · 3–8 min
- Nature Tote Treasure Walk · 16–28 months · 10–20 min
Next step: Brings things to show. Carries a pinecone across the garden to show you.
Activities that fit this step
- Lap Book Point and Pause · 12–20 months · 3–10 min
- Window Watch Talk · 12–24 months · 3–8 min
- Nature Tote Treasure Walk · 16–28 months · 10–20 min
Next step: Points to share. Points at a passing dog and looks back at you.
Activities that fit this step
- Window Watch Talk · 12–24 months · 3–8 min
- Nature Tote Treasure Walk · 16–28 months · 10–20 min
- Shopping Cart Spotter · 17–28 months · 5–15 min
Next step: Points and names. Points at a plane and shouts "plane!"
Activities that fit this step
- Nature Tote Treasure Walk · 16–28 months · 10–20 min
- Shopping Cart Spotter · 17–28 months · 5–15 min
- Park Bench Feelings Watch · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
Top of the ladder (points and names). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Nature Tote Treasure Walk · 16–28 months · 10–20 min
- Shopping Cart Spotter · 17–28 months · 5–15 min
- Park Bench Feelings Watch · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
The pointing to show ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 12 to 24 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Follows your point
Looks where you point instead of at your finger.
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Holds up to show
Holds a toy out toward you and watches your face.
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Brings things to show
Carries a pinecone across the garden to show you.
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Points to share
Points at a passing dog and looks back at you.
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Points and names
Points at a plane and shouts "plane!"
When pointing to show usually shows up
This page follows pointing to show from 12 to 24 months, a window that spans the 12-month, 15-month, 18-month and 24-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 5 activities practise pointing to show (2 as their main skill), for ages 12 to 36 months. 2 of them need no prep and take 10 minutes or less. By age, they sit closest to steps 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the 5-step ladder.
Related items appear on the CDC checklists for 15 months and 18 months.
Related milestones
CDC checklist items (paraphrased) that involve pointing to show. Checklists are for monitoring, not a test.
| Checklist | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 15 months | Holds up or brings an object they like to show you. |
| 18 months | Points to share something interesting with you. |
Activities that practise pointing to show
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 4 language and 1 social-emotional. Quickest to start: Window Watch Talk (3–8 minutes).
Step 2: Holds up to show
Step 3: Brings things to show
Step 4: Points to share
Step 5: Points and names
Skills practised alongside
The activities for pointing to show most often also work on naming things (3), first words (1), naming feelings (1), noticing others' feelings (1) and pointing to pictures (1). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- React with real interest to anything shown: "Oh, a leaf! A big leaf."
- Point things out on walks and wait for your child to look.
- Watch the window together: buses, birds, rain.
What to avoid
- Treating a show as a request; a show needs a comment, not a hand-over.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If by 18 months your child does not point to show you things, or rarely looks back at you to share interest, talk with the pediatrician; it is one of the things they watch for.
Worried about pointing to show 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 pointing to show?
Holding up or bringing an object to show you is a CDC 15-month milestone, and pointing to show you something interesting is an 18-month milestone. The first step to look for: looks where you point instead of at your finger.
How can I help my toddler with pointing to show?
React with real interest to anything shown: "Oh, a leaf! A big leaf." Point things out on walks and wait for your child to look. A good first activity is Lap Book Point and Pause (12–20 months).
What should I avoid when practising pointing to show?
Treating a show as a request; a show needs a comment, not a hand-over.
When should I mention pointing to show to the pediatrician?
If by 18 months your child does not point to show you things, or rarely looks back at you to share interest, talk with the pediatrician; it is one of the things they watch for. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.