One of the first building blocks of language development is the noun, the names of people, places, and things.

Understanding and using nouns is a big step for young children as they begin to express themselves, ask for what they want, and share their ideas with others.

What Are Nouns?

Nouns are naming words. They help children organize the world around them.

People – mom, dad, teacher, baby
Places – park, home, school, store
Things – ball, cup, dog, book

For early communicators, learning nouns is a major milestone.

These words often appear in a child’s first word list, think “mama,” “milk,” and “ball.”

Editable Picture Cards. Also available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Why Is Labeling Important?

Labeling means saying the name of an object, action, or person out loud while your child is watching, listening, or interacting with it.

Labeling helps your child:

Learn new words
Make connections between words and objects
Understand categories (a banana is a fruit, a dog is an animal)
Start to use words to express wants and needs

Even if your child isn’t talking yet, labeling supports their receptive language (what they understand), which always develops before expressive language (what they say).

How to Label Nouns in Daily Activities

You don’t need flashcards or formal lessons. Labeling can happen naturally all day long.

Here are some easy ways to do it:

During Play

“You have the truck. Go truck! Vroom Vroom”
“Let’s find the blocks. Oh look, a big block!”

Around the House

“Here’s your cup. Drink from your cup.”
“Let’s put on your shoes. One shoe, two shoes.”

At the Store

“I see apples. Red apples in the cart.”
“We need milk, bread, and cheese.”

With Animals

“That’s a dog. The dog is barking!”
“Look at the bird in the sky!”

Repeat the word naturally, not robotically, and give your child time to look, touch, or respond.

Next Steps: Expanding from Nouns

Once your child starts learning nouns, you can help them grow their vocabulary by:

Adding descriptors: big dog, red ball, cold juice
Using categories: “Yes, a carrot! That’s a vegetable.”
Making choices: “Do you want the book or the car?”

Tips for Caregivers

Keep it simple: One or two words is often enough.
Use repetition: Say the same word several times in natural ways.
Follow your child’s lead: Label what they’re looking at or holding.
Model, don’t quiz: If your child doesn’t respond, just keep talking — that’s still helping!