Preschoolers 2-4 Years Old By: Former Students edited by Dr. Vivian Baglien

Cognitive 2-3 Years Learning through senses Is very curious Has short attention span Uses 3-4 word sentences Begins to sing simple songs and say rhymes Provide sensory experiences Allow the child to explore Have limitations with using the word “No” The child shouldn’t be expected to do an activity for more than a few minutes You should talk and explain things simply with the child Teach songs, and rhymes that have rhythm, repetitive, low key

Cognitive 3-4 Years Learns through senses Uses imagination frequently Starts dramatic play, and role playing Likes to play grown up roles (mom, dad, firefighter, wonder woman) Begins to recognize cause and effect relationships Is very curious and inquisitive Provide many sensory experiences such as sand, water pictures Provide lots of props for playing (old clothes, shoes, make-up) Point out and explain simple cause and effect relationships such as (how rain helps plants grow, how hitting hurts a person) Explain and answer things to a child honestly Help child put feelings and ideas into words This is very wordy. It needs to be spread out over a couple of slides and has no visuals. This is true of the rest of the slides as well

Social 2-3 Years Mother is very important to the preschooler Does not like strangers Imitates, and attempts to participate in adult behaviors (washing dishes, applying make-up, and mopping floors) Can work well with others, such as listening to a story You shouldn’t force a child to be comforted with a stranger Allow time for doing things for themselves Allow time for them to be able to explore Provide brief interactions with other children, but you should never force them

Social 3-4 Years Is okay with leaving mother for short period of time, but mother is still very important They recognize the differences between male and females, imitates adults Starts to be more interested in others Begins group play, and likes company Isn’t quite ready for competition You should show interest in what the child has done while being away from parents Model the things you want the child to do When the child is interacting with other children you should provide enough materials so that all the children can use them together Help the child find an acceptable ways with dealing with others

Emotional 2-3 Years Needs to do things for themselves Enjoys praise when doing something well They test their powers with the words No! Shows lots of emotion, laughs, squeals, throws temper tantrums, cries obnoxiously Fears loud noises, quick moves, large animals, and their mother leaving them You should provide simple tasks for the child, in which they can do for themselves Praise often Be firm in your instructions, but you shouldn’t punish the child for expressing their feelings, and should expect to see independence They don’t intentionally tend to be bad, they cannot control feelings until they express them Avoid situations that consist of their fears

Emotional 3-4 Years Is sensitive about others feelings and opinions about them selves Is gradually being more independent Likes to please adults Accepts their approvals, love, and praise May act out more emotionally when having hard feelings about themselves or a bad day Develop a warm relationship with your child Express your love for them and confidence in your child Encourage independent activities You should provide a night light Show your approval through facial expressions, gestures, and verbal responses Help the child to work on understanding and controlling their emotions

Physical 2-3 Years Can run, kick, climb, throw a ball, jump, push Enjoy rough and tumble play Able to work small objects with hands Likes to scribble Able to eat with a spoon Helps dressing themselves Can build a tower of 6-7 blocks Begins to recognize when they need to use the restroom You should provide lots of arm and leg room for the child Provide activities that consist on using their hands, and fingers, such as large crayons, clay, and blocks. Gradually start toilet training

Physical 3-4 Years Runs jumps, climb ladders, can start to ride tricycles Tries anything, is very active Tends to wander away Scribbles in circles Likes to play in mud, sand, and finger paint Can begin to put together simple puzzles, and construct toys Dresses self more fair, but can not tie shoes Can use spoon, and fork utensils Can handle toilet uses more, by staying dry most of the day, but not necessarily all night Is very interested in their body and how it works Supervise physical activities Provide activities and materials to help develop coordination