What should I be teaching my just turned 3 year old?

[foreverchangingnappies]

Just that really! He's just turned 3. He goes to pre school as well 2 mornings a week.

Should I be starting like phonics/writing name/letters etc? Or is it too early?

If so any resources you can recommend as I don't really know where to start!

Absolutely too early to do things like phonics.

I would try to get them to eat with cutlery and take their own dishes back into the kitchen, important skills for school dinners!

Have a look on Pinterest too as they will have a lot of number games you can play and interesting ways to get a 3 year to mark. For instance if you've had snow today, like we have, you could try getting them to draw with a stick in the snow.

@PinkMimosa thank you this is very helpful!

I thought it was a bit early but never can be too sure!

Never thought about Pinterest but I will take a look thank you ☺️

Orchard games do some supine games for 3 year olds where they learn skills like turn taking. There's usually one or two in our local charity shops.

And definitely joking the library of you haven't already and get them to choose their own books.

Absolutely not too early for phonics. If he was in a preschool it's something they'd be covering.

I would say no need to focus on academic sit down skills (and I am a primary teacher). At this age children should learn through play. I would focus on physical development (things like co ordination, balance, crossing the midline etc) as these are the precursors to writing. I would also prioritise personal skills like getting dressed, doing own zip, putting own things away etc instead. I would read buckets to him and talk about stories and develop a love of books, but no need to try and teach reading now. This is what they will learn in pre school and reception. Social skills like turn taking by playing games and learning about emotions would also be a priority before writing. Develop his curiosity about the world, outdoor stay and play type sessions are great for this. As is just going for a walk in the woods and discovering things.
I have a 3y8m old and this is what I am doing with him also.

@Boymama87 thanks for your reply it is very helpful! All things I am doing already so sounds like I'm doing things correctly 😊