Your 3 Year Old

Understanding a Child Who is Three Years Old

All children develop at different paces. The following general overview of the development of a child will help you select products and unique gifts suitable for a three year old.

Educational Development

I am getting used to the idea of joining a reception class at a school. I am impressive at communicating and can be excellent company for adults, but it’s easy to think I’m older than I am, especially if a younger brother or sister has come into my life. I love a good chat, but I am also aware language comes in a written format. When I’m in the mood I can pay attention, look and listen. I benefit from playing with toys and games that help me at school. Playing with toys, such as jigsaw puzzles and sewing beads, helps me develop my finer co-ordination skills.

Little Helper

I really like joining in, and helping where things are relevant to everyday life, such as cleaning and helping with shopping. I can help you with lots of things, like laying the table and tidying up afterwards, and I love getting involved in food preparation and cooking.

Independence

I am starting to get a bit more independent now, although this is still work in progress. I can, in the main, wash my hands, feed myself, and drink. I can dress and undress, but may need some help with fiddly bits. I can’t tell the time yet but understand some things happen now, and some things happen later. I am getting interested in clocks with shapes and learning to count in a fun way. Globes and maps don’t make sense to me as I can’t work out where places are, but when I’m out and about I am beginning to realise that buildings and objects are in the same place.

Family Time

I still have a “Me, me, me!” focus but in the most positive way, and I am getting better at social behaviour and family games. I am learning about sharing, turn-taking and thinking of other people. Family games are ideal in this respect. I have a fairly clear idea about right and wrong and simple ground rules. I love things that are familiar to me, so I really like stories that I know. I probably keep asking you to repeat books for that reason, but this is good as it builds my enthusiasm for books and I can use story ideas in other play activities. I am also happy to try things new to me.

Let off Steam

I like being on the move both indoors and outdoors as I am better at concentrating. I learn by connecting with previous experience, but still need plenty of hand-eye co-ordination practice. Large movements in physical activity help me towards the finer movements required in writing. Finer co-ordination, such as kicking a ball or hitting with a bat, is a bit beyond me, but I’ll get the hang of it through familiarisation. Sometimes I’m still a bit wobbly on my feet, but I am confident enough to start riding a three-wheeled bike. I am fascinated by the natural environment, and love to explore natural materials. A bug box can provide some useful learning for me.

Creative Corner

I need lots of practice with creative tools, such as scissors, pens and paint brushes. I like to scribble, when I get the chance, as it helps to develop my hand-eye co-ordination. This will later contribute towards helping me with my writing skills. You may be able to detect shapes in my scribbling, some of which may even resemble letters. I enjoy songs and singing, and can be a good music-maker with simple musical instruments.