Developmental Milestones
Three Year Olds (36 – 48 Months)
Language & Speech
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Motor Skills
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| Uses simple five word sentences |
Able to run at a steady pace |
| Changes topic quickly, short attention span |
Snaps, zips & buttons with more ease |
| Can tell simple stories |
Holds crayons and scissors with fingers |
| Begins to imitate fingerplays & rhymes |
Fatigues quickly |
| Comprehends Who, What, Where & Why |
Begins to draw simple shapes & figures |
| Develops vocabulary 0f 800 – 1000 words |
Able to throw ball independently |
| Able to carry on short conversation |
Able to peddle a tricycle with more ease |
| Recites alphabet |
Hops on one foots with ease |
| |
Able to jump over 1-2 objects |
Social & Emotional
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Self Help
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| Shows more control over emotions |
Undresses easily, needs help to dress |
| Begins to play well with others in small group |
Able to eat meal by self with utensils |
| Follows simple commands with little resistance |
Brushes teeth independently |
| Likes to “help” & “please” adults (praise) |
Able to comb or brush hair |
| Puts toys away neatly when asked |
Unlaces shoes |
| Has a greater sense of personal identity |
Pottying ability improves – stays dry at nap and night |
| Able to “take turns” with assistance |
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| Able to follow simple rules |
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Cognitive 
Begins recognizing colors and shapes
Knows at least eighteen (18) body parts
Comprehends opposites (up & down, in & out, etc.)
Matches a sequence of 3-6 items
Able to sort items by color, shapes and/or size
Counts to 10
Able to match items related together (sock & shoe, hammer and nail, etc.)
