Precursor to Language Skills Checklist
Are you looking for a quick, easy-to-use tool to observe foundational language skills in young children, without formal testing or lengthy paperwork?
The Precursor to Language Skills Checklist is a practical, pull-out assessment resource designed for use during play-based sessions, everyday interaction, or informal assessment.
It provides a clear snapshot of a child’s early communication foundations, helping you identify what skills are already in place and which areas may need further support.
WHAT THIS CHECKLIST HELPS YOU IDENTIFY
Skills that are present
Skills that are emerging
Skills that are not yet observed
Skill areas include:
Social interaction & play
Attention & shared focus
Early play skills & imagination
Communication functions (requesting, commenting, showing)
Early understanding & following directions
Regulation, transitions & flexibility
HOW THIS RESOURCE IS USED
This checklist is ideal for:
Informal assessment during play
Early identification of support needs
Guiding intervention planning
Supporting clinical reasoning
Framing parent conversations in a clear, strengths-based way
It is designed to be observational, flexible, and easy to revisit over time.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE CHECKLIST
Once the checklist is complete, many clinicians and families ask:
“What can we do next?”
This checklist pairs seamlessly with Building Precursor to Language Skills.
The companion guide turns checklist results into simple, practical strategies families can use at home to support any skill areas identified as emerging or needing support.
Together, the checklist and parent guide create a clear assessment → support pathway.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
2-page printable checklist
Clear skill groupings
Space for notes and observations
Suitable for repeated use over time
Formats:
PDF (colour)
PDF (black & white)
WHO THIS RESOURCE IS FOR
Speech pathologists
Early intervention & early childhood educators
Allied health professionals
Special education teams
Particularly useful for children with:
Language delays
Autism
ADHD
Social communication differences
Emerging play or attention skills
WHY USERS LOVE THIS CHECKLIST
Quick and practical
Easy to use during sessions
Strengths-based and neuro-affirming
Supports meaningful parent conversations
Pairs perfectly with parent education resource - Building Precursor to Language Skills
PLEASE NOTE
This checklist is an informal observational tool and does not replace a comprehensive speech pathology assessment.
Are you looking for a quick, easy-to-use tool to observe foundational language skills in young children, without formal testing or lengthy paperwork?
The Precursor to Language Skills Checklist is a practical, pull-out assessment resource designed for use during play-based sessions, everyday interaction, or informal assessment.
It provides a clear snapshot of a child’s early communication foundations, helping you identify what skills are already in place and which areas may need further support.
WHAT THIS CHECKLIST HELPS YOU IDENTIFY
Skills that are present
Skills that are emerging
Skills that are not yet observed
Skill areas include:
Social interaction & play
Attention & shared focus
Early play skills & imagination
Communication functions (requesting, commenting, showing)
Early understanding & following directions
Regulation, transitions & flexibility
HOW THIS RESOURCE IS USED
This checklist is ideal for:
Informal assessment during play
Early identification of support needs
Guiding intervention planning
Supporting clinical reasoning
Framing parent conversations in a clear, strengths-based way
It is designed to be observational, flexible, and easy to revisit over time.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE CHECKLIST
Once the checklist is complete, many clinicians and families ask:
“What can we do next?”
This checklist pairs seamlessly with Building Precursor to Language Skills.
The companion guide turns checklist results into simple, practical strategies families can use at home to support any skill areas identified as emerging or needing support.
Together, the checklist and parent guide create a clear assessment → support pathway.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
2-page printable checklist
Clear skill groupings
Space for notes and observations
Suitable for repeated use over time
Formats:
PDF (colour)
PDF (black & white)
WHO THIS RESOURCE IS FOR
Speech pathologists
Early intervention & early childhood educators
Allied health professionals
Special education teams
Particularly useful for children with:
Language delays
Autism
ADHD
Social communication differences
Emerging play or attention skills
WHY USERS LOVE THIS CHECKLIST
Quick and practical
Easy to use during sessions
Strengths-based and neuro-affirming
Supports meaningful parent conversations
Pairs perfectly with parent education resource - Building Precursor to Language Skills
PLEASE NOTE
This checklist is an informal observational tool and does not replace a comprehensive speech pathology assessment.