2 1/2 -3 Year-Old Program

Welcome to the world of three year olds! In all that we do and all that we say, we are taught about Jesus and His love for us. Hands-on experiences, fieldtrips, singing, and dancing help our bodies and brains learn the basic concepts of shapes, colors, patterns, ABC’s, 123’s, days of the week, and months of the year. We may be the littlest on the campus but we have the most fun learning through play.

 

What 2½ - 3-year-olds should know by the time they enter 4-year-old room

Spiritual Development

  1. Understands the central teachings of the Bible
  2. Can say a short, memorized prayer
  3. Respects others as God’s children
  4. Enjoys listening to Bible lessons
  5. Retells/recalls details from Bible lessons
  6. Is able to memorize simple songs
  7. Loves to sing and share Bible songs with others
  8. Learns the Gospel in a nut shell and is able to share with others
  9. is able to learn short Bible passages and repeat
  10. has a hunger to learn more of God’s Word

Physical Development

  1. Stretch arms high over head
  2. Twist at the waist
  3. Bend over and touch toes
  4. Walk upstairs one foot at a time Climb up and down play structures freely
  5. Enjoys large motor activities
  6. Balance standing on one foot and then the other (3 seconds)
  7. Strings or threads beads or spools
  8. Uses glue in an appropriate manner
  9. Handles small manipulative (duplos)
  10. Can put together a 5-10 piece puzzle
  11. Can clap hands together (3-5 times in a row)
  12. Builds with blocks
  13. Draws and colors beyond a scribble
  14. Zips clothes
  15. Be familiar with the proper handling of scissors
  16. Draws and cuts simple shapes
  17. Cut on a straight line
  18. Can draw a line from one object to another
  19. Can draw a person having a head, eyes, mouth, body, arms and legs
  20. Have exposure to the proper gripping of pencils, crayons, markers, and paintbrushes
  21. Walk downstairs one foot at a time
  22. Assimilate catching a ball without fear
  23. Crawling under a chair
  24. Throwing (underhanded, right, left, over handed)
  25. Kick a ball while standing still
  26. Jump two feet together
  27. Hop on right foot 3 times in a row
  28. Hop on left foot 3 times in a row
  29. Can pedal a tricycle

Social/Emotional Development

  1. Aware of others’ feelings
  2. Exhibits cooperative behavior or attitude
  3. Works and plays well with others
  4. Participates in clean up
  5. Willing to share with classmates
  6. Willing to take turns with classmates
  7. Takes part in group activities most of the time
  8. Plays independently
  9. Follows school routine
  10. Is willing to try to dress himself/herself
  11. Can sit quietly for 3-5 minutes
  12. Makes choices and plans
  13. Initiates play
  14. Is able to go to the bathroom with minimal help
  15. Attempts to solve problems with minimal assistance
  16. Shows satisfaction in accomplishments
  17. Follows 1 step directions
  18. Attempts to engage in cooperative behavior with peers
  19. Identifies other children by name
  20. Can be away from parents for 2-3 hours
  21. Looks forward to going to school
  22. Attempts to meet visitors with minimal shyness

Intellectual Development

  1. Is able to name the basic shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, diamond, heart)
  2. Is able to name the basic colors (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, brown, gray, white, pink)
  3. Knows age
  4. Listens to and understands directions when being talked to
  5. Sits for a story
  6. Enjoys being read too
  7. Recalls 1-3 facts from a story
  8. Can recognize own name
  9. Is able to remember pictures from a page
  10. Repeats a 3-5 word sentence
  11. Pretends to read
  12. Can answer questions about a story
  13. Sings the alphabet song
  14. Has ease in talking
  15. Knows basic body parts (hands, eyes, fingers, toes, feet, ears, mouth, hair chin, elbow, knees, shoulders, head)
  16. Beginning to recognize letters
  17. Sorts objects
  18. Identifies patterns
  19. Beginning to identify position

Creative Development

  1. Enjoys moving to music and singing
  2. Knows the words of several children’s songs
  3. Listens to a variety of music
  4. Makes and builds models
  5. Draws or paints pictures
  6. Enjoys using a variety of art mediums, colors, or textures