targets for a 3 year old in preschool

[Chundle]

hi all dd2 just started preschool. Ive noticed that they have an EYFS poster up on the board and in a box below they have the kids workbooks and a clipboard with a list of kids names and some columns with headers and ticks in various columns. This is apparently linked to how they are progressing in line with EYFS targets etc etc. Ive had a quick look at EYFS targets but out of curiosity what exactly should a 3 year old be doing once they start preschool?? this tick sheet had columns for literacy and maths etc. SHould all 3 year olds be writing letters?? Curious as to know what kids of 3 that have just started should be doing
thanks

Mainly have fun? The rest will follow (sorry - no help but I think the focus on things like writing at that age is nuts).

thanks thats what i sort of thought - dd is only just three as well so they will have a struggle to get her to do much with a pencil except maybe stick it up her nose!!

They should be playing, the Eyfs is a guideline. There is a lot of info on the net if you want to look at specific targets but every 3 year old is different. It does have maths and literacy but it is more about learning numbers through counting games, measuring things through play etc, same for literacy starting with Mark making on paper to sharing books etc.
I really wouldn't look at it thinking this is what a 3 year old should be doing.
We have a good document at pre school for parents that explains what the Eyfs is it may be worth looking for that.
Alternatively ask your staff they will probably be able to explain it.

Ok that's great thanks guys

The columns and bits will probably be for staff. They are making observations on your child whilst they are playing i.e. Lily showed me a square and told me it was red etc

Knowing where children are can help them when they plan play activities to help develop knowledge of colour shape etc.

Normally 3 yrs old are mark making rather than making letter shapes, although dd3 has been doing some phonics work (looking at letters s a p t) I don't think they've written them particularly and pencil control is very hit and miss.

There's no "should" really, but there are typical things for their age range. The expectation is that most 3 year olds will be working within the 30-50 month range, though some will be below (22-36 months) or above (40-60 months) - and of course an individual child might be in one range for maths, another for speaking and listening, another for physical development.

Writing - holding a pencil and copying some letters is in the 30-50 month range. Forming recognisable letters is in the 40-60 month range. Handling pencils well for writing is the early learning goal for the end of Reception.

That's really useful thanks Doris and rubis