Preschool children at three years old usually
- are more sociable and willing to conform than younger children
- have great interest and curiosity in people and things
- slow down a bit physically compared to at two
- develop much more complex motor abilities
- have increased interest in dramatic play and imitation of others
- listen to verbal suggestions
- have increased interest or attention span
- adjust better and easier to change
- understands parents will return – not as clingy
- plays more spontaneously in groups
- doesn’t need constant-hovering-direct adult supervision to stay out of trouble
- begins to appreciate form in manipulative activities
- loves imaginary activities and outlets that help promote emotional development
- has an imaginary companion to play and pretend with
Three year olds pre-schoolers like
- words and conversation
- dramatization
- trips and excursions
- planning visits, lunch with grandma, etc.
- watching adults work
- watching machinery in use
- imaginative stories based on real people and real animals
- to look at books
- singing and a diversity of musical experiences
- constructing with blocks more than playing with the finished product
Preschool children at age three need
- dramatization outlets like a costume boxes, large blocks, pretend kitchens, food, etc.
- both active group play and quiet individual private time
- suggestions or cues from adults sometimes in order to continue play
How to help your three year old’s development
- Whisper to get three year old’s attention
- Be humorous and silly with wrong guesses to questions
- Sometime answer their questions with silly off the wall answers
- When appropriate let three year old children settle their own disputes
- Surprise excursions, visitors, activities – be spontaneous don’t always follow the exact routine
- Offer choices: Do you want to wear the blue hat or the red. hat?
- Distract and divert to a move on to a different activity or take mind off of something
- Respect their imaginary life and join in on the fun.
Jenni and I have spent our entire lives surrounded by children. Even if we’ve done something hundreds oftimes it’s always exciting, fresh and new with fascinated children.|
More about me
More about me
Latest posts by Robert Rice - Owner (see all)
- Are you using the right car seat? Is your child sitting in the safest spot? - May 15, 2017
- Rear facing car seat required - November 29, 2016
- Does this sound like your three year old? - August 9, 2016
