True or False: Children aged 8 to 18 months can say their first meaningful words and begin to respond to directions.

The statement is true because children typically begin to say their first meaningful words around the age of 10 to 14 months, though some may start earlier or later. During the 8 to 18 months developmental window, children are also known to exhibit comprehension of simple commands and begin to respond to directions. This period is crucial for language acquisition, as infants are rapidly developing their understanding of communication and starting to use words intentionally to convey meaning.

This milestone is significant in early literacy development, as verbal communication forms the foundation for more complex language skills that will be critical as they grow. It's during this stage that parents and caregivers can encourage language development by talking to the child, reading together, and responding to the child's attempts to communicate.