MLU & Brown's Stages · Let's Talk Communication Stages
Child information
Step 1
Collect your language sample
Record 15–30 minutes of natural play or conversation. Aim for 50–100 distinct utterances. Note the context (e.g., block play, book reading) to help interpret meaning.
Reference
How to count morphemes
A morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning. Count each one:
1 "dog" — 1 morpheme
2 "dogs" — 2 morphemes (dog + s)
2 "walking" — 2 morphemes (walk + ing)
2 "jumped" — 2 morphemes (jump + ed)
2 "Mommy's" — 2 morphemes (mommy + 's)
3 "he's eating" — 3 morphemes
1 "went" — 1 morpheme (irregular past)
1 "feet" — 1 morpheme (irregular plural)
Do not count: Fillers like "um," "uh," unintelligible utterances, direct imitations, or rote sequences like counting or ABC's.
Step 2
Enter utterances
Type each utterance and enter the morpheme count. The MLU calculates automatically as you go.
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Utterances
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Morphemes
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MLU
Tip: Count the morphemes yourself first, then enter. Press Enter to add quickly.
No utterances added yet. Start typing above.
Step 3 — Results
MLU & Brown's Stage
Mean Length of Utterance
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Add utterances to calculate
Brown's Stage
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Based on MLU
Qualitative observations
Brown's 14 Grammatical Morphemes
Check each morpheme observed in the sample. These emerge in a fairly consistent order across children and help refine Brown's Stage placement beyond MLU alone.
Note: When a child says "goed" or "foots" — that is a positive sign! It shows they are applying grammatical rules, not just imitating.
Clinical summary
MLU Assessment Notes
The Speech Source
Let's Talk Communication Stages
Use observation, play, and caregiver/teacher report to determine which stage best describes the child's current communication. Check the skills observed and select the stage that matches. A child may show skills across multiple stages.
👀
The Observer
3+ months
Children begin by watching, listening, and tracking the world around them. They absorb information and show interest through their senses and early responses.
🙌
The Engager
6+ months
Children begin to interact more intentionally through gestures, imitation, and turn-taking — the crucial foundational skills for communication.
🗣️
The Talker
12+ months
With motivation and exposure, children begin using single spoken words to communicate — naming people, objects, actions, and needs.
🟨
The Combiner
24+ months
Children expand vocabulary, form short phrases, and combine 2+ words to communicate ideas with greater clarity and intent.
🟢
The Converser
36+ months
Children become confident communicators — connecting 3-5 words, using emerging grammar, and engaging in back-and-forth conversation with greater complexity.
Assessment summary
Let's Talk Stage Summary
Working stage
Check skills above to identify the working stage
Suggested goals for this stage
Select the goals most appropriate for this child. Edit in the field below.
Parent handouts for this stage
Download and send home with the family at the end of the session.
