1. UNDERSTANDING TWO-AND THREE YEAR OLDS
CHAPTER 6
UNDERSTANDING TWO-AND THREE YEAR OLDS

2. INTRO Two year olds are typically active, demanding, and curious.
Three year olds are more calm; they try to please others by conforming
Learning about these differences is important so that the needs of children are met.

3. DEVELOPMENT OF TWO YEAR OLDS
Physical Development of 2 yr. olds
Will grow 2-3 inches in height and add 5 lbs. in one year.
Organs become stronger
Digestive system matures slowly, appetite varies day to day.
Coordination improves; less top-heavy and center of gravity shifts downward.
Can usually run and jump without falling, fine motor skills are improving.

4. DEVELOPMENT OF THREE YEAR OLDS
Physical Development of 3 yr. olds
Playing is exploring. They are constantly moving, tasting, smelling, touching.
Coordination shows much improvement (arms, hands, legs, feet).
Body less top-heavy and streamlined
They can stand straight without their legs apart
Digestive system matures slowly, appetite varies day to day.
Walk naturally with their toes pointed forward and moving their feet closer together.

5. DEVELOPMENT OF TWO AND THREE YEAR OLDS
Physical Development: 2 yr. olds
Physical Development; 3 yr, olds
Gross Motor Skills
Playing with balls is fun due to better coordination and body control
Can walk up and down stairs
Stand on a balance beam with both feet
Balance on one foot, jump eight and one-half inches
Can sit on a riding toy and push it with their feet
Gross Motor Skills
Improved throwing, jumping, and hopping
Climb up and down stairs with alternating feet
36 mths. can catch large balls with their arms. Will begin catching bouncing balls
Ride and steer tricycles
Walk heel to toe four steps
Balance on one foot (8 sec.); hop on one foot three times.

6. DEVELOPMENT OF TWO AND THREE YEAR OLDS
Physical Development: 2 yr. olds
Physical Development; 3 yr, olds
Fine Motor Skills
Can insert keys and turn them; turn book pages
String large beads, hold scissors –open and close them
At this age, hand preference is established
Writing tools used to scribble; draw horizontal, vertical lines and circles by 30 mths.
Build towers of 6-7 blocks
Fine Motor Skills
Cutting skills are more refined; can cut paper; cut across paper but cannot cut a long line
Draws simple shapes
Enjoys manipulating blocks and simple puzzles
Builds towers with cubes

7. DEVELOPMENT OF TWO AND THREE YEAR OLDS
Physical Development: 2 yr. olds
Physical Development; 3 yr, olds
Self-help Skills
Need help with dressing; can undress themselves
Removes socks, shoes, pants
Begin to dress themselves; zip and unzip, unbutton large buttons by 30 mths.
Drink from a cup and glass without help (may spill); use a straw
Toilet training; not many bowl accidents between mths; still have problems with wetting
Self-help skills
Becoming self-sufficient; less adult assistance needed
Turn on water, wash hands, follow routines, brush teeth
Opens buckles, put on shoes without strings
Cannot work small buttons and hooks; problems with telling the front and back of clothing
Use knives
Almost have full toilet control

8. TEACHING TWO AND THREE YEAR OLDS
2 yr. olds
3 yr, olds
Thought to be negative; uses the word “no” A LOT
Patience is necessary; they always want their way
Are egocentric; everything should go their way
Want to do things at their pace
NOISY; explore everything; like movement (gross motor)
Like to pretend play; like routine
Known for temper tantrums; keep your composure
Becoming self-sufficient; less adult assistance needed
Happy, sociable, agreeable
Adjusts easily to adults, classmates,
Like playing alone and in groups of two or three
Enjoy pretend play
Express independency; provide encouragement

9. Your Assignment Use the maps provided to compare and contrast
the following of two and three year olds.
Cognitive Development
Social-Emotional Development