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Stimulating 3 year old

15 replies

Clare26 · 04/01/2015 18:25

Hi, this my first post so I'm hoping its in the right place....

My daughter is 3 and over the last few weeks we have noticed that she seems to have gone up a notch as such and could do with some more stimulation. She goes to pre-school twice a week and they have suggested that she is quite clever for her age.

We could really do with some ideas/games/activities that we can do with her. She has been acting up a bit lately and I think she might be bored! Thaks to Christmas we have some new playmobil jigsaws/craft bits and wipe cards for letters and the like and she does enjoy playing with them by herself. I could really do with ideas of things we can do with her as well.

Thank you!

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
BadtzMaru · 04/01/2015 18:56

Could you increase her days at preschool, is it half days or full days she goes just now? Mine goes 5 mornings a week and then we do gymnastics, swimming and dancing on 3 different afternoons, seems to keep her happy.

Clare26 · 04/01/2015 19:39

Hi she is at a private nursery for 2 full days a week whilst I'm at work and is starting an afternoon at a school pre-school setting so I'm hoping that help. I can do imaginative play with her but I struggle for ideas for activities....

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ruth4321 · 04/01/2015 22:20

Arts and crafts, simple card games like pairs and snap, baking or cooking basic things, if she knows her colours why not go around the house taking photos of 'red things' or go on a nature walk and collect twigs, leaves, feathers etc and make a collage. Watch a film in a tent made with bed sheets or have a picnic with her teddies in it. So many possibilities :)

RandomHouseRules · 04/01/2015 22:38

The 'toddler approved' facebook group has some wonderful ideas of simple things to do at home.

You might also find this interesting to play around with.

RandomHouseRules · 04/01/2015 22:40

Toddler approved: website page here

Chefpepperjack · 04/01/2015 22:40

Jigsaws- charity shops have loads!

WD41 · 04/01/2015 22:44

My DD (3) and I like doing fuzzy felt. We've got a big box of the original style stuff so lots of little shapes. Great for the imagination and talking about what she's making

Ferguson · 04/01/2015 23:34

Having worked in primary schools for over twenty-five years, starting as a 'parent helper' (dad) and then employed in an infant school as Teaching Assistant for ten years, I find it a bit sad how some people don't know what activities to do with their children. But of course we are all different, so what came easily to me is perhaps less natural for others.

What sort of things does she like at pre-school?

Books, reading, and acting out stories, with 'props' and maybe scenery, helps a child become aware of the creative potential of books. These days, with continuous Cbeebies and the like, children shouldn't just be passive observers, but can create things themselves, if adults around them provide the resources.

Our DS was learning music from two years old, and started to read music and make up tunes by five. So if you can provide access to a piano, keyboard, glockenspiel, or even 'domestic percussion' with a wooden spoon, a child can learn to keep-time to (suitable) music on radio or CD, or TV ZingZillas etc.

Duplo bricks can teach colours, counting, adding, take-away, 'sharing'.

Watch natural history or travel shows on TV together, explaining what is going on, and if appropriate, relating it to her life and environment.

[I'll come back sometime, and see how you are getting on!]

PhilomenaCunk · 04/01/2015 23:43

Really, Ferguson? It must be difficult being such a good, natural, parent. As opposed to the rest of us who just try really hard in our inadequate little ways. (Btw I suspect you'd find my day job a tad tricky and might seek out extra help. I'd hope if you asked me I wouldn't give such a smug reply.)

OP, my two lived copying stuff that I was doing - sweeping with dustpan and brush, cooking, setting table, tidying games. Also anything craft-y. Cutting out letters. On warmer days, chalks outside on the patio, 'painting' with water. Simple games (orchard toy rage).

Ferguson · 05/01/2015 19:39

Oh! Sorry PC; it is quite a while since I've annoyed people so much; and it certainly wasn't intended to seem smug.

[So, what IS your day job, please?]

And, yes I agree all the activities you mention are excellent, and useful - for children of any age.

Jhas · 08/01/2015 22:05

making robot costumes out of all your recycling and a roll of foil takes a long time and yields much fun for all. :)
Hungry hippo game and a marble run have been good for all of us to get involved. Also something called instant blox (amazon) was amazing for lots of really interesting configuration. We got a magnifying dish for catching beasties in from the garden which is good too. :)

MiaowTheCat · 09/01/2015 12:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OhPuddleducks · 09/01/2015 14:06

I go through phases of not having a clue what to do with both of mine. I'm a bit anal so have been known to go through their toys and make a list of possibilities to keep on hand. Sometimes I can't see the toys for looking, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, Dd is 3 and we've started a few new things recently... You can buy board games suitable for 3 and up - Orchard Games (or Orchard Toys or Orchard Something??) do loads. We got Tummyache and Shopping Lists for DDs birthday and she loves them. there are loads of others to choose from. I also put a pack of Uno in her stocking. The box says 7+ but she either plays on a team with an adult if there are enough people or if it's just me and her we lay our cards flat on the table and talk about which card to play and why. Good for colours, numbers, following instructions etc. (my dad started this with her, but the way, and I thought it was genius - I bet there are loads of other games you could play in a similar way).

She loves helping in the kitchen too, either genuinely, or just copying in her mini kitchen.

Clare26 · 11/01/2015 07:57

Hi thanks everyone!
But surprised by one comment though albeit some brilliant ideas too.
I don't see it as a bad thing that I can struggle to think of ideas at all! Just because I've had a child doesn't mean that I'm suddenly aware of everything she needs and how to teach and entertain her, hence the message asking for ideas!!!! As I said, we have been told that she is quite a smart little girl and I want to ensure that we are dealing with this in the right way and stimulating her enough!
Anyway, thank you all, have a good ah everyone x

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Clare26 · 11/01/2015 07:59

A good ah? Sorry meant good day!

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