Applying thinking to resolve simple play challenges

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. Bear in mind that at 3 years old children begin developing skills to understand cause-effect and keep asking why things happen. It is important they play with toys and equipment, so that they engage in challenging activities and find solutions, even small ones.

Simple problem solving is encouraged through play in small groups so that they understand processes as well as sharing and learn with other children.

DID YOU KNOW?

• At age 3 a child works out how to use toys with buttons and mobile parts

• Plays make-believe with toys & people

• Completes 3-4 pieces jigsaw puzzles

• Copies a circle using crayon or pencil

• Understands what ’two’ means

• Turns book pages one by one

• Builds towers of more than 6 blocks

• Turns door handles and open jar lids