2-3 years
Motor Skills:

• Runs with better coordination

• Climbs well and is able to walk up and down stairs

• Introduce sports, dance and any appropriate physical activity

• Kicks, throws and catches a ball

• Begins to pedal a tricycle

• Jumps with both feet off the ground

• Holds pencil and markers and enjoys coloring and drawing simple shapes

• Uses one hand more frequently than other 

Sensory:

• Shows interest in various textures, playing with water and sand

• Improved eye and hand coordination

• Sensory play such as finger painting, play dough and sensory bins

• More adept at recognizing and distinguishing between different sounds, pitches and tones

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​Communication: 

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• Favorite word is No!

• Consistently uses 2-3 word phrases

• Uses words in, out, off, on, appropriately

• At least 50% of speech is understood 

• Follows 2-step unrelated directions “give me the ball and go get your coat”

• Understands basic nouns and pronouns

• Understands “mine” and “yours”

• Asks and understands; what, why and where questions

• Uses plurals,  “dogs, balls, toys" 

• Simple understanding of concepts including color, space, time

• Understands most simple sentences

                                            Feeding:

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• ​​Can use eating utensils with increasing skill

• Drinks from a cup without spilling much

• Can chew and swallow a variety of textures so introduce healthy foods

• Loves being mommy's little helper with setting the table help prepare food​

• Important Experiences and Activities

• Creative Play: Encouraging activities that stimulate imagination and creativity, such as playing with dolls, action figures, toy cars, and building blocks.

• Physical Play: Providing opportunities for active play, such as running, climbing, jumping, and playing with balls, which helps develop gross motor skills.

• Reading and Language Development:

• Storytelling: Regularly reading books together, encouraging them to tell their own stories, and expanding their vocabulary by introducing new words in context.

• Interactive Communication: Engaging in conversations, asking open-ended questions, and listening to their responses to develop their language skills.

• Routine and Structure:

• Consistent Schedules: Maintaining consistent daily routines for meals, naps, and bedtime provides a sense of security and helps with the development of self-discipline.

• Social Interaction:

• Group Activities: Participating in group activities, playdates, and early childhood programs to develop social skills, cooperation, and understanding of group dynamics.

• Learning through Play:

• Educational Toys: Using toys and games that promote problem-solving, fine motor skills, and cognitive development, such as shape sorters, simple puzzles, and interactive books

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