3yrs old...Is she on target or behind?

Question

My cousin whom I pretty much take care of is three years old. I am beggining to worry that she may not be on target with speech and learning. She can talk and I understand most of her words but there is still alot of baby jibbberish that I think she should have let go of by now. I know one of her problems is the she talks to fast to try to get the words out correctly. Another thing is that compared to other kids her age I don't think she is on target in learning She barely knows her abc's and can't count past 15. She knows most of her colors but she won't say them when she is asked. Is she fine or do I detect slight learning problems.? Maybe I'm worrying a little too much. Any advice?

Answer 1

children develop at different paces. if you feel that she is behind mention your concerns to her pediatrician. the good thing about young children is that they can be behind one day and catch up in the blink of an eye.

i teach prek and their cognitive skills are so varied. some cannot even recognize their names and cannot distinguish between a letter and a number and then others are starting to read and know all the letters and their sounds.

give her time but if you feel their is a problem, get it checked out.

Answer 2

First off, exactly how old is your cousin? It does make a difference if she just turned 3 or if she is closer to 4. All kids develop at different rates, but many kids this age still have some speech dysfluencies and will use "jibberish". They are trying to fill in the blanks between the words they do know. If she knows her ABC's and can count to 15 that isn't too bad. However, if you are really concerned, you can always get an evaluation. Ask your local physician for an opinion and possibly consult a speech pathologist or other developmental specialist. They will be able to give you a better answer.
In the meantime, I would just suggest creating a rich language environment with lots of opportunities for book reading and conversations.

Answer 3

It's good that you are concerned about your cousin's learning, but my advice is don't worry so much.

I teach preschool, and many of the three-year-olds have some speech delays. You're probably right in your assessment that she talks too fast... that's common. They talk faster than they can think at that age!

Also, most children that age don't know all their letters and they almost always get mixed up when counting in the teens.

More important things to think about are these:

*Can she socialize with other children?
*Does she have a healthy self-esteem?
*Can she do some basic self-care tasks (putting on her own coat, for example)
*Does she develop theories about how the world works?
*Does she enjoy creating things? (art, music, stories...)

In my opinion, these are some of the things that are important at this age. There will be plenty of time to learn the other stuf!

Also, one of the most helpful things you can do for her is to read to her. Often!

Again, don't worry so much.

Answer 4

I have a 3 yr old daughter and 3 yr old twin neices. She sounds on target wit them. 2 of them talk well the other pretty well. They know their abc song almost completely with an oops here and there. They can count up to about 12 or so. They all just turned 3. She sounds fine to me.

Answer 5

I agree children all develop at different stages. I did not learn to walk or talk until I was 4 and I'm perfectly fine. But I would keep an eye on it. Also have you tried teaching her the abc's? Also do you have any music that has the abc song on it? Play it at rest times or just randomly durring the day. Good Luck.

Answer 6

ok she's 3 and you want her to count past 15! come on! and I think your worried to much she is 3 years old! still a baby! and everyone learns at a diffrent speed slow down stop worrying she sounds extreamly smart to me she could be like me though I couldn't count past 10 till I was 5 and I still have trouble counting like I freez up but I do have trouble learning soo yeah

Answer 7

Give her some time. Children learn at different paces. Some that learn a little slower, retain the info better. I think she is fine and on track. Don't worry just yet.

Answer 8

Every child develops at their own pace. She sounds like every other three year old on the planet. She probably won't say her colors when asked anymore because she's tired of it. She's a child not circus performer.

Answer 9

yes you are worrying to much.. thats completely typical of 3 yr olds. she is just fine.. most 3yr olds are very excitable so of course she will jumble words. heck im 29 and i still do it sometimes. she will learn alot faster in preschool next year so relax and ask her to play

Answer 10

sounds right i am in child development with kids around 2-4 and I can only understand some of what they say