By the time they are 3 years old, children should be able to:
Number Sense
- imitate rote counting (repetitive counting) using some names of numbers
- count verbally to five (by 18 months old); count to ten (by 3 years old)
- count 5 or less objects in a line (beyond this, the child may count quickly at the end if s/he can count more than the number of objects available OR recycles numbers if there are more objects than numbers known by memory)
- recognize and name the number of items in a set of two or three
- add and subtract very small sets of items nonverbally (by showing the understanding)
Comparing and Ordering
- understand the concept of “more” relating to food or play
- distinguish “more” and “less” for small sets of items or big difference in a number of items
- use comparison words “same”, “more” or “less”
- compare sets of 1-4 items if the sets are made up of the same objects
Basic Operations
- gesture to ask for more
- understand getting more or having less
Measurement
- manipulate shapes individually but does not combine them to make a larger shape
- pay attention to the overall size of things (big, little)
- explore by using measurement tools like a ruler or measuring cups
Geometry (Shapes)
- put things together like puzzles or nesting cups
- match familiar shapes (circle, square) with the same size and orientation
- recognize and name circles and squares (maybe triangles)
- identify shapes as being the same if they are more visually similar than different
Spatial Sense
- follow simple directions related to position (in, on, up or down)