Developing school-readiness skills can be a lot of fun for most kids, but nerve-wracking for parents! Many of the critical skills needed as your child prepares to move up in pre-school or get ready to begin kindergarten emerge through play. Let’s see what is expected at the age of three and give a few fun ideas to help you and your child have fun while learning and developing these skills!
Fun at Three!
Scissors Skills: At this age, your child should be able to make several consecutive cuts with a forward motion of the scissors while holding the paper with his supporting hand. For fun practice, let your child cut a roll of play dough or a plastic drinking straw into small pieces!
Pre-Writing/Pencil Skills: Around this age, your child will most likely try using a static tripod grasp (thumb, index, and middle fingers securing the pencil) and most of the movement will be primarily generated from the forearm and wrist to start, versus just using the fingers. Have your child draw on an easel or a slanted surface (such as a large three-ring binder) to help improve wrist position and foster more isolated finger movement. Using small pieces of broken crayons or small golf-sized pencils will also encourage use of the fingers!
Eye-Hand Coordination: You may notice your child trying new things, like coping a circle and lines. He should be able to complete a lacing card and trace accurately along a horizontal line. Have your child practice drawing shapes in sand, finger paint, shaving cream, and more!
Written by: Rachel Merrick
Lead Occupational Therapist
Tri-County Therapy
