Review the physical, mental and social abilities and interests for younger toddlers aged 24-35 months. Note that these lists indicate average development - the age range at which the 'average' child can he expected to achieve a particular skill or develop a specific interest. The ages in the text are only approximate. Children develop skills at uneven rates - any one child may be 'above average' in one skill and 'below average' in another skill. For an individual child, the parent is the best judge of the child's abilities and interests at any point in his or her development. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician or an early childhood development expert if you have any concerns about your child's development.
Toddler Physical Development
- skilled at most simple large muscle skills.
- lots of physical testing - jumping from heights, climbing, hanging by arms, rolling, galloping, somersaults, rough-and-tumble play.
- throws and retrieves all kinds of objects
- pushes self on wheeled objects with good steering.
- by 2 1/2 to 3 years, good hand and finger coordination.
- lots of active play with small objects - explores different qualities of play materials.
Toddler Mental Development
- interested in attributes of objects - texture, shape, size, color.
- can match a group of similar objects.
- plays with pattern, sequence, order of size.
- first counting skills.
- first creative activities (drawing, construction, clay) - process still more important than final product.
- beginning to solve problems in head.
- imaginative fantasy play increases - continued interest in domestic imitation.
- fantasy play alone or with adult - child also makes toys carry out actions on other toys.
Toddler Social Development
- main interest still in parents, but begins to play cooperatively with other children (especially 30 to 36 months).
- uses language to express wishes to others.
- engages in games - likes interactions with others - also some pretend play with others.
- enjoys hearing simple stories read from picture books, especially stories with repetition.
- strong desire for independence - shows pride in accomplishment.
