Remember it’s not a race; each child develops at his own pace. As long as
the basic milestones are being met your toddler will progress and become
physically and socially adept. Trust your instincts as a parent. If you feel
something is not right, have it checked out as an early intervention will only
benefit your toddler. The exploring and play that he is doing as a toddler is
his job, his mission to become school ready and to cope in the classroom.
49
24 - 36 Months
Developmental Checklist
Physical Development
Emotional and Social Development
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Ride a tricycle
Climb steps, 1 foot per step
Climb down steps, 2 feet per step
Walk on tip-toes for fun
Throw and kick a ball
Build a 9 cube tower with ease
Enjoy playing with blocks, building bridges
Turn pages of books
Copy circles
Use scissors to cut paper (but always supervised!)
Manage 2 piece puzzles
Thread beads with ease
Language and communication
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Know his name and sex
Talk non-stop
Have a large vocabulary
Manage small threading and finer detail
Understand a whole lot more than he can say
Refer to his things as “Mine”
Recognise sounds in the environment
Asks “What‘s that?” and “Why?”
Name pictures and label everyday items
Want to learn new words
Hears everything!
Show signs of wanting to toilet train - especially girls
Eat with a fork
Want to be around other children but is still very selfish
Love to give and receive cuddles - very affectionate
Have temper tantrums, especially when frustrated and tired
Enjoy ordering you around and may like to be the boss!
Have mood swings, moving from happy to sad in a matter of minutes
Warning signs
If at the end of the third year your child displays any of the following,
please consult a professional for a full assessment:
- Uses single words only
- Does not follow two instructions e.g. “Go to your bedroom and
fetch your shoes.”
- No interest in toilet training
- Does not identify familiar people and objects
- Not interested in other people or new situations
- Cannot sit and amuse himself for a few minutes at a time
About the author:
Liz Victor is the
director of TOPTOTS
Early Learning SA and
the co-author of
Play learn know
(Metz Press). All of her
books are also
available in Afrikaans.
www.toptots.co.za