How to Maximize the Language Explosion and See Big Progress in 6 Months
A Strategy for Growing Vocabulary and Encouraging Speech & Language Development
WHAT IS A LANGUAGE EXPLOSION?
The “language explosion” is one of the most exciting milestones in your toddler’s journey! It’s that magical stage where their brain starts picking up new words faster than ever. During this time, you might notice their vocabulary growing by the day, and they’ll begin stringing together simple phrases like “want snack” or “all done.”
Here’s what you can expect:
Before the explosion: Your child might learn 2-3 words per week.
During the explosion: They could learn up to 10 words per day! That’s over 300 words in a single month.
This typically happens around 18 months of age, but don’t worry if it happens a little earlier or later—anywhere between 15 and 24 months is normal. The best part? You play a big role in helping them thrive during this stage! Talking, reading, and engaging with your toddler are some of the best ways to fuel their language growth.
Signs the Language Explosion Is Coming
In the weeks leading up to this big leap, you might notice your toddler’s communication skills start to change in exciting ways:
Babbling becomes more complex: They’ll experiment with sounds and mimic the rhythm of real words.
Two-word phrases emerge: Simple combinations like “go car” or “bye dada” start popping up.
Pointing and gesturing: They might point to objects or look at you expectantly for names.
Imitating words and phrases: Your toddler will try repeating what they hear.
Following simple directions: Instructions like “bring the ball” or “wave bye-bye” become easier for them to follow.
Quickly understanding new words (fast mapping): They’ll start figuring out what unfamiliar words mean based on context, like recognizing “puzzle” when placed with a ball and a toy car.
These signs are your green light to jump in and engage!
How to Maximize the Language Explosion
Let’s turn this knowledge into action. Considering the 1.5 - 2.5 age range, what could happen over the next 6 months? If we were sitting together in a speech therapy room, here’s what I’d encourage you to try each week: We like to call it the 2-1-1 Game Plan!
2 Basic Concepts + 1 Power Word + 1 Strategy
You can use this formula with any toy, theme, or part of your daily routine. It keeps things fun, focused, and effective!
Here’s what bringing the 2-1-1 to life might look like:
2 Concepts: On/Off
Look around your home and think about the toys you can use to teach these concepts. For example, you might use stacking rings to practice “on” as you place them on the stick and “off” as you remove them.
Now let’s apply the same idea to a daily routine. Show your child the light switch and say “on” as you flip the light on, and “off” as you flip it off. Let them try it themselves!
1 Power Word: Hi
Power words are words we use frequently in our everyday lives. You may also hear them referred to as functional vocabulary.
Pair “hi” with waving. Practice greeting family members, pets, toys, and even your reflection in the mirror.
1 Strategy: Offer Choices
During snack time, hold up two options: “strawberries or blueberries?” Whether they point, gesture, or attempt to say the word, celebrate their effort!
For more examples and a worksheet to plan your own 2-1-1 weeks, refer to page 49 in the Play by Play guide.
What Six Months of Progress Can Look Like
When you consistently engage with your toddler—whether through play or daily routines—you’re setting the stage for incredible growth. Even short, intentional interactions can lead to remarkable changes.
Look forward to a growing vocabulary! Imagine your child going from pointing at objects to confidently naming them! Words like “ball,” “cup,” or “outside” start popping up in their daily chatter. Over time, their vocabulary expands into more descriptive language, like “red ball” or “big truck.” These new words open up a whole world of expression and connection.
They’ll get better at understanding and following Directions. Tasks that seemed confusing a few months ago, like “bring me your shoes” or “put the book on the table,” suddenly click. Your toddler will start understanding multi-step instructions, making daily routines smoother and more cooperative.
Get ready for more confident communication. As they master new words and phrases, you’ll notice their confidence grow. They’ll start using words to ask for things they want, share what they see, or tell you about their day. This shift reduces frustration for both of you and makes communication more joyful and rewarding.
You’ll lay the foundation for early academic skills. While it might not feel like “school,” these early language skills lay the foundation for academic success. Understanding basic concepts like colors, sizes, and actions helps with early math and problem-solving. Following directions and building their vocabulary prepare them for preschool and beyond.
The best part — a deeper bond with your child. One of the most beautiful outcomes of this process is the connection you’ll build with your child. Every time you play together, read a book, or laugh over silly words, you’re creating moments that strengthen your relationship. These shared experiences don’t just support their language—they create memories that last a lifetime.
We’re Here to Make This Process Easy and Enjoyable for You
Supporting your child’s language development doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are three simple ways you can get started:
Option 1. Start small with our free 7-Day Play Challenge
Not sure where to begin? This free resource is a great starting point. Whether you have 5 minutes or 20, you’ll get 7 easy-to-follow strategies to help your child learn through play—no stress, just connection and fun.
Option 2. Make play a habit with our Play Calendar
Are you ready to make play part of your daily routine? Our Play Calendar offers 31 simple, engaging activities organized into categories like toys, life skills, sensory, reading, and house hunts. It’s a sweet and simple way to create meaningful moments.
Option 3: Take the next step with our Play + Day Guides
If you’re ready to simplify playtime and routines while maximizing your child’s learning, our Play + Day Guides are here for you. Designed with busy parents in mind, these guides include:
Concept lists to focus your efforts
Professional strategies that work (and are easy to implement!)
Reflection tools to help you adapt and celebrate progress
Together, these resources empower you to take the guesswork out of play, so you can focus on what matters most—connecting with your child and supporting their growth.
Let’s play! Whether you start with a free resource or invest in our Play + Day Guides, every small effort adds up to big progress.
One Last Thought
If you’re hesitating, maybe you’re worried you won’t keep up, I want to challenge you to give yourself more credit.
I recently heard something that stuck with me: “Awkwardness is an indication of learning.”
It’s okay to feel unsure at first. Every time you practice, you’re growing. With time, this will feel natural—and your child will thrive because of you.
So, take a deep breath.
You’re ready for more, and your kids are ready for you.
Sources:
McMurray, B. (2007) Defusing the childhood vocabulary explosion. Science, 317(5838), 631.
Huttenlocher, P., Haight, W., Bryle, A., Seltzer, M., & Lyons, T. (1991). Early vocabulary growth: Relation to language input and gender. Developmental Psychology, 27, 238
Reznick, J. S., & Goldfield, B. A. (1992). Rapid change in lexical development in comprehension and production. Developmental Psychology, 28, 406