With imagination in full gear, three-year-olds are entering a peak period for pretend play. And they LOVE to ask questions—about everything! Have fun encouraging self-expression and rich, exploratory play for your increasingly independent three-year-old.
She likes dressing up or pretending she's someone else
He loves to move and does not care to be still
She's reassured to hear that people love her
He begins to compare and contrast himself with others
Basic ball play—like catching or kicking a ball—can improve balance and coordination
He can throw a ball a short distance and can catch it if it's thrown directly in his arms
She starts drawing faces and people
He can make balls, sausages and figures out of play dough
Her squiggles begin to look like writing
He shows sympathy for storybook characters
Role-play toys
Medical Kit
Help your child learn more:
What do they do? If your child's interested in a particular occupation or theme, feed that curiosity. Visit the library or go online and research together. Attend shows or demonstrations at local grocery stores, home and garden centers, or fair grounds.
Two heads are better than one. When you and your child put your imaginations together, you'll be amazed at how much more realistic and fun your play will become. If your toy is a medical kit, create an area for the doctor's office or hospital. Make a sign for the door: "The doctor is in." Gather willing patients (dolls and stuffed animals are always in need of a check-up). Put magazines and a chair in your waiting room, with a play phone for the receptionist.
Get them started. If your child needs a few play prompts to get the idea, be the receptionist or nurse and suggest "problems" for her to solve. "Mrs. Johnson isn't feeling well. Can you see her right away?"
Take turns being doctor and patient with your child, and listen carefully to what he says in each role. You'll gain new insight, and he'll gain new confidence!
What’s for lunch? With a play kitchen, ask: "What will you make? What will you put in your soup? Do you have to go shopping first?" Help measure, mix and pour.
Toys that encourage creative expression
Clip-on Doodle Pro™
Kid-Tough™ Doodler Classic with 4 Stampers
Help your baby learn more:
Show interest in your child's creations. If you can, stop what you're doing and check it out when he says, "Hey, Mom! Look what I made!" or "Watch this dance I made up!" Set aside special time when you can focus on your child. Ask her to demonstrate her work, and praise her abilities.
Encourage self-expression.. Can he explain why he's created a certain drawing or video? Or why she thinks her music sounds a certain way? Encourage talking about ideas and feelings.
Capture memories. Let your child take photos to document experiences. Help add special effects or a fun digital border.
Music, please. Make sure your child is exposed to music and art. Take a trip to a gallery or sculpture park, attend plays and concerts just for kids.
Children develop at their own pace and reach milestones at different times. The highlights mentioned in this website are approximate guidelines only. If you have any questions about your child's development, consult your healthcare provider.
I Can Do It!
Average Rating
Help your child become aware of all the wonderful things she can do! This is a great way to build her self-confidence and self-esteem.
Materials
Magazines with pictures or picture books that show kids doing things
Instructions
Look through magazines or picture books together that show kids doing things.
Ask your child if she can do the things that are shown.
Have her explain how she does them.
Let her demonstrate if she likes!
If she says she can’t do something, ask her why not.
Discuss with her all the things you can and cannot do. Make sure to explain how or why not.
Safety
Make sure to select plenty of pictures of activities your child knows how to do, so she won’t feel like a failure. Don’t pressure her to do things she’s not ready to do.
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