How to Teach My 3-Year-Old at Home

Even people who aren't stay-at-home parents can educate their children at home. Use everyday opportunities, including the ride to daycare, to assist your 3-year-old in developing language, verbal and social skills. You are always teaching your toddler about the world simply by being a parent, regardless of whether you set up formal home lessons or not.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
  • Pencils or crayons
  • Paper
  • Labels
  • Bins
  • Small desk and chair

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a small learning area in your home. This could be in the kitchen, living room or child's playroom. Use a child-size desk and chair and keep learning supplies separate from everyday toys and games. This will help keep things interesting so your 3-year-old does not become bored and lose focus.

    • 2

      Create a lesson plan each week to follow, complete with art, music and play activities. Find free printable worksheets online or develop your own. Stay on task unless extenuating circumstances prevent you from teaching the day's lesson, such as illness or an emergency.

    • 3

      Set aside the same time each day for learning. Your toddler should spend about 30 minutes learning basic concepts, such as letters, numbers and new words. Follow up with play activities similar to the lesson you taught. For example, if you taught your 3-year-old how to write "ABC," ask him to find ABC blocks to stack while playing.

    • 4

      Incorporate music and art into the learning day. Create a song and dance to teach colors or numbers. Use finger paints, clay, puff balls and other art supplies to teach textures, shapes and sizes. Have your child hang her artwork creations in her learning area for decoration and motivation.

    • 5

      Spend time outdoors as the weather permits. Physical activity, such as running and jumping, are just as important as cognitive concepts. Lay a rope on the ground and challenge your child to jump over it. Create an obstacle course with toys, cardboard boxes and other household items. Your 3-year-old can climb and crawl his way through, increasing dexterity, muscle strength and problem-solving skills.

    • 6

      Connect with other parents and 3-year-old children in your neighborhood. Part of educating your child is helping her learn social skills and develop relationships outside of family. Go to your local playground during the afternoon and encourage your 3-year-old to play with other kids. Attend play dates with a friend or group of mothers in your area to strengthen social and emotional development.

    • 7

      Allow your child to set the pace and make learning enjoyable. Forcing your toddler to sit for hours or creating a very formal teaching environment will likely result in your 3-year-old resisting any attempts you make at teaching new ideas.

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