Here is a development profile for the Three Year Old. This is a very fun time in development. Remember, all children progress in their own time…don’t push them if they are not ready, or compare them to other children.
AGE 3
Gross Motor
• Throws balls overhand and catches with arms extended
• Walks up and down stairs with alternating feet
• Carries a tray
• Climbs ladders on playground equipment
Fine Motor
• Copies a circle
• Cuts paper in half
• Rolls a “snake” and makes balls out of play dough
• Winds up toy
• Copies a circle
• Cuts paper in half
• Rolls a “snake” and makes balls out of play dough
• Winds up toy
Cognitive
• Listens to stories and recalls portions of them
• Identifies some colors
• Sings songs from memory
• Counts objects
• Thinks of activities they want to do
Language
• Uses plural “s,” “ing,” possessive “s,” and past-tense “ed,”
although often uses incorrectly
• Speaks well enough that a stranger can understand
• Speaks 3 – 5 word sentences
• May begin to imitate and mimic words you say…
be careful!
• “Why?” is a favorite word now
Social/Emotional
• Begins to cooperate with other children and shares toys
and takes turns
• Uses words to express emotions
• Becomes more independent in all areas
• Requires praise and encouragement when learning
something new
Self-Help
• Turns faucet on and off and washes and dries hands
• Turns door knob and opens door
• Serve themselves food, such as pouring cereal, spreading
jam on toast
• Brushes teeth and combs hair
• Selects own clothing, but may need help with weather
appropriateness
• Loves to help mix baking ingredients
• Dressing: undresses fully, still needs help with buttons
and orienting to front, back, and inside out, and left and right shoes
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