Solutions For Parents

Toddler » Early Childhood Development

Developmental Stages 25-36 Months

Share This Article: On Twitter On Facebook Print

 

FINE MOTOR

  • still spills a little
  • throws ball inaccurately
  • bi-manual function, screws, unscrews, pours, fill up
  • holds pencil in fist
  • snips with scissors
  • makes strokes to imitate a cross
  • drinks from straw
  • buttons and unbuttons, puts on shoes cannot tie
  • plays with little objects
  • imitates vertical and horizontal strokes on paper
  • builds tower 8-10 blocks
  • can dress self though not always accurately
  • holds pencil with fingers/adult fashion
  • can copy circle, cross
  • adds chimney to train, integration and sequence of parts
  • paints with some design
  • colors with crayons as well as paints; may draw simple figures

 

GROSS MOTOR


  • dances with rhythm and control
  • walks and runs with good coordination
  • uses two footed hop
  • jumps both feet on floor
  • runs, gallops and swings to music
  • jumps off bottom step, arms swing wide
  • pushes wagon, pulls it out if stuck
  • can walk on tiptoe, stands briefly on one foot
  • rides tricycle
  • does simple gymnastics
  • swings, plays on jungle gym
  • plays with blocks, builds structures, uses a diversity of shapes and sizes; may combine blocks and train
  • enjoys construction more than play with finished object

 

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL


  • imitates domestic activity
  • daytime bowel and bladder control probable
  • pretend behavior confused with reality; plays house
  • plays with imaginary playmates
  • expresses joyful emotion by dancing
  • still likes parallel play - solitary play
  • uses pronouns "me" "mine" to show unmistakable propriety
  • may contact playmates physically but social still limited
  • shows affection spontaneously
  • may pout when scolded, smile when praised
  • restrained around strangers
  • will sacrifice immediate gratification on promise of later privilege
  • refers to self as pronoun "I" "me"
  • strong desire to please; helps put toys away, cooperative
  • may make an emotional outburst, attacks physical objects
  • exhibits jealous behavior
  • curious about self and body - sex roles
  • tests limits and anticipates actions by adults

 

LANGUAGE


  • definite increase in communicative behavior and interest in language
  • selects cue words he comprehends to understand the whole
  • action response to verbal request
  • uses simple sentence to tell about own experiences
  • answers simple questions
  • can tell name and age if taught
  • understands prepositions - in, under
  • asks questions - where, what
  • tells use of object
  • tells actions in book
  • increasing tendency to sue longer, more complete sentences
  • uses pronouns - often correctly
  • uses adjectives and adverbs
  • pitch control improved
  • understands time words - wait/soon/how/after
  • can repeat 2 digits (4-7) (6-3) when read at rate of one per second
  • begins to understand concept of left and right

 

SENSORY

 

Visual


  • horizontal orientation
  • uses wider range of eye-hand coordination
  • bipolarity becoming aware of opposites
  • beginning concept of right and left
  • some reversals in child's work
  • cause and effect explored - adds chimney to training integration, sequence of parts
  • ability to recognize visual symbols, geometric shapes, numbers
  • uses concept of quantity and "how much"

 

Auditory


  • begins to listen in on conversations not directed to him
  • listens and obeys 2-3 step directions
  • repeats sounds accurate tonality and inflection
  • perceives certain dangerous situations by sound and association

 

Tactile


  • can describe objects by tactile means alone
  • enjoys finger painting
  • uses touch to accomplish tasks, not just exploration
  • bilaterality decreases; shows preference for handedness
  • curiosity satisfied through touch and manipulation
  • plays in mud or sand or water; makes cakes, pies, roads, tunnels, combines with other materials

Ask Dr. Susan