Your child’s ability to recognize different colors develops from the age of 18 months, when he or she begins to notice similarities and differences in shape, size, and texture. It will take some time before you learn basic colors, but most children can start naming colors after at least 36 months.
In the meantime, he will add new colors to his repertoire over time, along with what he has heard in the past. Children love to look at picture books with objects organized by shape and color. Start by asking them to describe the color out loud. For example, ask him to show you the color red, and on a later day show him a red object and wait for him to tell you the color.
You can play similar games when you’re outdoors. Say, “I see a red flower,” and wait a minute for it to find the flower and point at you. If he’s wearing a blue shirt, ask him if he sees anything of the same color around him. By knowing and describing the colors you teach him/her, he/she may surprise you even if he/she cannot name them verbally.
When starting to learn the names of colours, you can reverse the game, point to the objects yourself and ask “What colour is this triangle?”. Either way, he will be pleased to show you his knowledge. When he/she says a color wrong, do not say his/her mistake and that it is wrong with a harsh tone. Just say the right name in an encouraging tone.
Children learn at their own pace, so don’t worry too much if your child doesn’t know as many colors as someone else at that age. But if you suspect a problem, talk to your child’s doctor about whether you should have your child tested for color blindness, which is the inability to distinguish certain colors.