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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 9-10 cubes

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 24-35 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

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

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