3-year-olds are a critical age for learning. They’re not only getting ready to start preschool, but they’re also beginning to develop basic literacy and math skills.
We’ll discuss what your 3-year-old should be learning in order to give them a foundation for lifelong learning. We’ll cover topics such as reading, writing, math, science, and more.
So whether you’re a parent looking to help your 3-year-old reach their educational goals, or you just want to know what they should be learning at this age, this blog is for you!
What Should a 2-3 Year Old Know Educationally
When it comes to a child’s education, there are certain milestones that are typically expected to be met by certain ages. For example, most people expect a child to know how to read and write by the time they reach first grade.
However, what many don’t realize is that there are things that children should know before they even start school.
- Recognize and name basic shapes such as circles, squares, and triangle
- Sing the alphabet song and count to 10 (or even 20!) -Identify common objects by names such as a chair, table, or book
- Understand simple commands such as “please sit down” or “come here” Of course, every child is different so if your 3-year-old isn’t meeting all of these milestones don’t worry – they will in time.
- This age group should begin developing basic social skills such as taking turns, sharing, and following rules.
- In terms of cognitive development, 3-year-olds should start recognizing basic shapes and colors.
- They should also be able to count up to three or four objects. As far as memory goes, they should be able to recall simple information such as their name and address.
- In addition to all of this, it’s important for 3-year-olds to develop gross motor skills (running, climbing) as well as fine motor skills (drawing, writing).
- A three-year-old who is just beginning to talk might be able to say a few words or phrases. A more advanced three-year-old might be able to have short conversations.
- A three-year-old who is beginning to learn how to read might be able to recognize some simple words, such as the names of people or animals.
Just continue to provide them with plenty of opportunities to learn through play and exploration and they will reach their educational potential in no time!
Some Basic Self-Care Skills
1. How to communicate effectively. This includes learning how to use words, but also nonverbal communication like body language and facial expressions.
2. How to follow instructions. This is an important skill for life, both in terms of school and work but also just following everyday instructions from parents or guardians.
3. How to play independently and with others. Playing is essential for a child’s development, so it’s important that they learn how to do both independently and with others.
4. How to express their emotions in healthy ways. It’s normal for toddlers to have big emotions, but it’s important that they learn how to express them in healthy ways instead of tantrums or aggression.
5. Basic self-care skills like brushing their teeth and getting dressed. These may seem like simple tasks, but they’re actually quite complex and require coordination and fine motor skills. Plus, teaching your toddler these basic self-care skills will help them be more independent.
6. A three-year-old should know the basic rules of safety.
7. They should be able to identify their parent or caregiver and know how to get their attention if they need help.
8. They should be able to put on their own clothes (with help as needed), brush their teeth, and use the toilet independently.
9. Cognitively, a three-year-old is beginning to understand the concept of time.
10. By now, most children are also fairly clear on the difference between male and female gender roles.
11. They are also beginning to understand spatial relationships, such as in/out, up/down, and front/back. Language skills are also growing at this age.
12. A three-year-old’s vocabulary will likely contain around 1,000 words, and they will be using more complex sentence structures than they could just a year ago.
13. It’s also important for them to be able to express themselves clearly, whether it’s through words or actions.
Age 4 Cognitive Development Milestones | Child Development
Conclusion
3-year-olds are a vital part of the education system and are quickly learning what is expected of them. In order to ensure that your child is getting the best possible education, it is important to equip them with the basics. This includes learning basic reading, writing, and math skills as well as developing a strong foundation in social and emotional development. By providing your child with a quality education from an early age, you are ensuring that they have the foundation they need to build a successful future. If you found this blog helpful, please consider sharing it on your social media to help others going through the same situation. Together, we can spread awareness and support those dealing with the challenges of raising children.
