Articulation Milestone Chart
A printable speech-sound reference for parents. Development varies, so use this chart as a guide—not a diagnosis.
Download the chartASHA-Certified SLPs · Evidence-Based · Telehealth
Is Your Child Hitting Their Speech Milestones?
Early identification is the most powerful tool in speech and language development. Our licensed Speech-Language Pathologists deliver evidence-based screenings via secure telehealth — so you get expert answers from home.
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Milestones by Age
What most children can do at each stage of development, based on ASHA norms.
Pre-K
Age 4
- Speaks in sentences of 4–6 words
- Understood by most people outside the family
- Asks and answers simple questions
- Uses most speech sounds, though some errors are normal
- Tells simple stories about recent events
Kindergarten
Age 5
- Speaks clearly enough to be understood by strangers ~90% of the time
- Uses sentences of 5–8 words with conjunctions like 'because,' 'but,' and 'so'
- Retells a simple story with a beginning, middle, and end
- Follows 3-step directions
- Identifies rhymes and counts syllables in words
1st Grade
Age 6
- Produces most speech sounds correctly
- Uses complex sentences with multiple clauses
- Understands and uses time concepts (yesterday, tomorrow)
- Isolates individual sounds in words (phonemic awareness)
- Engages in back-and-forth conversation on a topic
Milestones represent typical development ranges. Every child develops at their own pace — when in doubt, a screening provides clarity.
Take-home milestone guides
Keep these parent-friendly charts handy as you notice how your child is understood in everyday conversations.
Phonological Processes Milestone Chart
A printable reference to common phonological processes and typical developmental patterns. Use it as a guide—not a diagnosis.
Download the chartSpeech Banana Hearing Chart
A printable visual guide to the pitch and loudness range of everyday speech sounds, designed to help families understand hearing for specific sounds.
Download the chartWhen to Seek a Screening
These signs may indicate your child would benefit from a professional evaluation.
Difficult to understand even by family members
Leaves off sounds at the beginning or end of words
Struggles to follow multi-step directions
Has difficulty finding words or frequently says 'um' or 'uh'
Avoids talking or seems frustrated when communicating
Teacher has raised concerns about speech or language
If you recognize any of these signs, a screening is the right next step.
Book a ScreeningFrequently Asked Questions
Not sure if your child needs a screening?
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