Developmental milestones are things that, by a given age, most kids can accomplish. Milestones are reached by children in their play, learning, speaking, acting, and moving. The following article provides Developmental Milestones 2 - 3 Years Old with Examples Of Links To The EYLF.
Cognitive Development
- builds a tower of five to seven objects
- lines up objects in ‘train’ fashion
- recognises and identifies common objects and pictures by pointing
- enjoys playing with sand, water, and dough; explores what these materials can do more than making things with them
- uses symbolic play, e.g. use a block as a car
- shows knowledge of gender-role stereotypes
- identifies the picture as a boy or girl
- engages in making-believe and pretend-play
- begins to count with numbers
- recognises similarities and differences
- imitates rhythms and animal movements
- becoming aware of space through physical activity
- can follow two or more directions
Examples Of Links To The EYLF
- EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators - Children engage in a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts. E.g. “Take on roles of literacy and numeracy users in their play.”
Language Development
- uses two or three words together, e.g. “go potty now”
- ‘explosion’ of vocabulary and use of correct grammatical forms of language
- refers to self by name and often says ‘mine’
- asks lots of questions
- uses pronouns and prepositions, simple sentences and phrases
- labels own gender
- copies words and actions
- makes music, sings and dance
- likes listening to stories and books
Examples Of Links To The EYLF
- EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity - Children feel safe secure and supported. E.g. “children initiate interactions and conversations with trusted educators.”
Physical Development
- walks, runs, climbs, kicks and jumps easily
- uses steps one at a time
- squats to play and rises without using hands
- catches ball rolled to him/her
- walks into a ball to kick it
- jumps from low step or over low objects
- attempts to balance on one foot
- avoids obstacles
- able to open doors
- stops readily
- moves about moving to music
- turns pages one at a time
- holds crayon with fingers
- uses a pencil to draw or scribble in circles and lines
- gets dressed with help
- self-feeds using utensils and a cup
Examples Of Links To The EYLF
- EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of well-being - Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical well-being. E.g. “show enthusiasm for participating in physical play and negotiate play spaces to ensure the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others.”
Social Development
- plays with other children
- simple make believe play
- may prefer same sex playmates and toys
- unlikely to share toys without protest
Examples Of Links To The EYLF
- EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world - Children become aware of fairness. E.g. “Engage children in discussions about respectful and equal relations such as when a child dominates in the use of resources.”
Emotional Development
- shows strong attachment to a parent (or main family carer)
- shows distress and protest when they leave and wants that person to do things for them
- begins to show guilt or remorse for misdeeds
- may be less likely to willingly share toys with peers
- demands adult attention
Examples Of Links To The EYLF
- EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of well-being - Children become strong in their social and emotional well-being. E.g. “Talk with children about their emotions and responses to events to support their understandings of emotional regulation and self-control.”
Further Reading
Developmental Milestones From 2 Months Old To 5 Years Old - The following provides the developmental milestones from 2 months to 5 years old.
EYLF Learning Outcomes Version 2.0 - The following articles list the 5 EYLF Learning Outcomes and their sub-outcomes (Version 2.0).
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