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
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
Physical Development; 3 yr,
olds
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
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
Physical Development; 3 yr,
olds
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
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
Physical Development; 3 yr,
olds
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 (plastic)
 Almost have full toilet control
TEACHING TWO AND THREE YEAR OLDS
2 yr. olds
 Thought to be negative; uses the
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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
3 yr, olds
 Becoming self-sufficient; less
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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 (Do not do this)
Use the maps provided to compare and contrast
the following of two and three year olds.
 Cognitive Development
 Social-Emotional Development