- Is learning basics of life such as eating habits, sleeping habits, bathroom control, following directions, getting along with others, and talking well.
- His learning revolves around the significant people in his world.
- Has extremely strong family ties.
- Likes to be with other people.
- Is very trusting and believes everything an adult says.
- Imitates everything and everyone.
- Is very affectionate.
- Is more willing to share than a 2-year-old but still has mostly parallel play. (He plays alongside other children rather than playing with other children.)
- Has difficulty seeing a situation from another person’s perspective.
- Is beginning to understand taking turns.
- Is focused on discovering self.
- Needs to be able to move.
- Can be managed by distractions.
- Expresses many fears even though some are not realistic.
- Thrives on repetition and routine.
- Understands literal and concrete concepts best. Has difficulty understanding abstract concepts and object lessons.
- Has limited knowledge and vocabulary.
- Has an unreliable memory.
- Has an unclear understanding of cause and effect relationships (“If I do this, that will happen.”).
- Is able to learn one concept at time (“big” or “small”; but not “big and small”).
- Enjoys puzzles and crayons, but his fine motor skills are not developed enough to keep to the confines of a coloring page. (Coloring pages may frustrate him more than help him.)
- Tends to think with his muscles: he does what he sees.
- Finds it hard to distinguish between God and Jesus.
Spiritual Concepts the Three Year Old is Ready For
About God |
God exists. |
About Jesus |
Jesus loves me. |
About the Bible |
God gave us the Bible. |
About Home and Parents |
God gave me parents. |
About Church and Bible Class |
Church is a place to learn about God. |
About Others |
God gives grownups to care for me. |
About the Spiritual World |
Angels came to tell people when Jesus was born. |