Why is it important to play and engage with your 3 years old child?

At age three, your child has gone a long way in their physical, social and personal development. They have doubled in size and are active, constantly moving around, exploring and perfecting walking, jumping and running. They also are active family members and recognise and show affection to people close to them. They also react if a new face appears.

At age three children can express their feeling, emotions and communicate what they wish or needs using language. They enjoy chatting and quickly learn they can use it for communications. Parents often wonder if language is developing appropriately and if the combination of gestures and words young children use is fine.

At age three your child has learnt the names of people, toys, and objects in the environment, and takes every opportunity to move around looking for them, eventually finding small challenges that need resolving. Allow your child to try and find solutions and offer support if required.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Children at age three are active and enjoy playing with adults and other children

• They have set routines and participate actively in family life

• At age three most children make the transition from home to ECD centres

• They enjoy being with other children and people who care for them at home or at the ECD centre

• Play is the developmental way to learn about themselves, others and the environment

• Playing with other children and sharing toys is an important activity they enjoy.

• They are curious of all that is around them and become active explorers

• Learning takes place indoors and outdoors through concrete experiences