Skill
Imitates Sounds, Words, and Gestures
Child observes and imitates sounds, words, gestures, and actions to communicate and connect.
Ages 4–36 months
Why it matters
Imitation is how young children acquire the sounds, words, and gestures of their language and culture. Copying what others say and do, even after a delay, drives expressive communication and shared meaning.
Builds toward this milestone
- observes and imitates sounds, words, gestures, actions, and behaviors. — Head Start ELOF
What mastery looks like
- Engages in back-and-forth imitation games, such as patting a table in turn.
- Imitates a sound, word, or gesture soon after seeing or hearing it.
- Imitates more complex actions or words at a later time to communicate or do something.
How to observe it
- Does the child copy a new sound or gesture you make?
- Does the child reuse a word or action they imitated earlier?
Accessibility
- Pair sounds with gestures or signs so children can imitate in more than one way.
- Face the child and exaggerate mouth movements for children with hearing differences.
Activities
Evidence
- CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Developmental Milestones — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · 2022 · U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Early Atlas