Physical Development Physical Development Three-Year-OldsThree-Year-Olds

GrowthGrowth

ProportionProportion

Size relationship between Size relationship between different parts of the body.different parts of the body.

Head, chest and abdomen Head, chest and abdomen about the sameabout the same

Arms legs and trunk grow Arms legs and trunk grow fastfast

Changes increase balance Changes increase balance and motor skills and motor skills

http://www.jpbutler.com/images/sadie-standing.jpg 11/12/07

PosturePosture

How straight the child How straight the child standsstands

At 2 stands upright, At 2 stands upright, but abdomen but abdomen protrudes, head protrudes, head forward, arms and legs forward, arms and legs bent.bent.

By 3 straighter and By 3 straighter and more uprightmore upright http://www.blackbeltexcellence.com/eStudio/03_Family_And_Friends/01_Family/2007-

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Height and WeightHeight and Weight

Gain about ½ lb per Gain about ½ lb per monthmonth

3 years – 3 years – – Girls: 37 ¼” and 31 ¼ lbs.Girls: 37 ¼” and 31 ¼ lbs.– Boys : 38” and 32 ¼ lbs.Boys : 38” and 32 ¼ lbs.

3 ½ years - 3 ½ years - – Girls: 39 ¼” and 34 lbs.Girls: 39 ¼” and 34 lbs.– Boys: 39 ¼” and 34 ¼ lbs.Boys: 39 ¼” and 34 ¼ lbs.

http://www.bridges4kids.org/images/toddler-flowers.jpg 11/12/07

TeethTeeth

Primary Teeth – baby Primary Teeth – baby teethteeth

3 years – 20 teeth, full 3 years – 20 teeth, full set set

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DevelopmentDevelopment

Small Motor SkillsSmall Motor SkillsAges 3 to 4Ages 3 to 4

• Undresses self, helps to dress self• Undoes buttons on side or front of clothing• Washes hands• Feeds self• Recognizes and draws a circle, draws a crude cross• Scribbles• Pours liquid from pitcher with some spills• Begins to use scissors• Strings large beads• Does many puzzles by trial and error• Builds tower of nine to ten blocks

Large Motor Skills Large Motor Skills 3 years Old3 years Old

• Runs smoothly, turns sharp corners and stops suddenly

• Climbs stairs by alternating feet• Balances on one foot for a few

seconds• Throws balls overhand,

frequently catches a ball with arms fully extended

• Jumps off one step• Jumps in place• Pedals tricycle• Pumps a swing

http://rowena.typepad.com/the_ella_echo/images/first_tricycle_ride.JPG 11/14/07