Is able to snip paper and fold paper in half
Is able to copy simple patterns like a cross
May start to undo buttons and zips
Is able to remove large lids by rotating the wrist

Is able to jump up and down with both feet together
Is able to climb steps with alternating feet
May start to pedal a tricycle
May start to experiment with the skill of hopping on one foot
Is able to keep balance when walking on a balance beam or straight line (not walking heel-to-toe yet)

Vocabulary ranges between 300 and 350 words
Is able to name objects and actions
Is able to answer questions using short phrases but cannot tell narratives yet
Is starting to refer to self as “me”
May start to experiment with volume levels

Is starting to understand right from wrong and how to regulate behaviour
Engages mainly in parallel play although becoming interested in interacting with other children and some group play
May still struggle to share
May experience some frustration between wanting to be independent but still needing some assistance
May develop a fear of the dark

Is able to sort objects according to size, shape and colour
Is able to follow 3-step instructions
Is able to say first and last name
Is very inquisitive and willing to learn; may ask a lot of questions
Is able to copy 3 to 4-block structures
Enjoys reciting rhymes or parts of song lyrics

Encourage potty-training for boys and girls

Enjoys using crayons, pencils and markers
Is able to make strokes with a paintbrush
Is able to draw horizontal lines without any help
Enjoys experimenting with playdough, for example, rolling the dough in snake-like shapes

Is able to throw a ball overhead
Is able to hop twice on each leg
Is starting to experiment with skills such as galloping, skipping and spinning
May be able to pedal and steer a tricycle

Enjoys mimicking speech patterns
Is starting to use adjectives and more expressive speech
Is able to refer to friends by name
Vocabulary stretches to about 400 words
Is able to speak 400 words
Enjoys reciting rhymes and singing songs

May find it difficult to distinguish reality from fiction, which may result in telling lies
Is developing a strong sense of self; being assertive and taking charge
Displays feelings of frustration when things do not go their way
Is beginning to understand rules and consequences

Is able to build simple puzzles with large pieces
Is starting to understand concepts like naptime and dinnertime
Is able to recognise changes in the weather

Is able to get dressed independently
Is able to put on own shoes but cannot tie shoelaces yet

Is able to trace or copy shapes and symbols
Prefers to scribble with one hand although hand dominance is not established yet
Enjoys art activities like sand art or painting with watercolour paint
Is able to use coordinated fine motor movements to build towers of 9+ blocks without toppling

May start to experiment with upside-down movements and positions
Is able to balance on one leg and enjoys jumping activities
Enjoys ball activities and is in the process of perfecting throwing overhand
Is able to jump over a 15-cm-high barrier and a distance of about 20 cm

Is able to speak 4 to 5-word sentences
Is able to distinguish between past and present tense
May ask questions and comment on pictures as you read stories
May talk to self during play

Has a willingness to do things independently, which may lead to frustration and tantrums when not successful in attempts
Is starting to engage in interactive play
Is starting to form bonds with close peers
May show a certain degree of stubbornness as boundaries are tested (saying yes when you say no or no when you say yes)
May become aware of own limitations (I can’t climb up there, as it is too high for me)

Enjoys hide-and-seek games
Enjoys building more complicated puzzles
Is able to name about 8 body parts
Is able to differentiate between sizes
Is able to verbally communicate likes and dislikes

Is able to use the toilet with minimal assistance
Girls may be fully potty trained
Is able to get dressed independently and may insist on picking out own clothes
Is able to wash and dry own hands
Is able to self-feed with little to no spillage

May start to trace own name
Enjoys building structures with blocks
May start to draw simple stick figures

Enjoys engaging in physical play
Likes to explore new territories while climbing, swinging and sliding
Is able to run and stop suddenly without tripping or falling
Is learning and exploring the skill of manoeuvring around obstacles

Enjoys engaging in conversation with parents, caretakers and other children
Speech will become more understandable to people outside the household
Is able to say first and last name
Is able to name family members and close friends

May start to seek out special friends to play with but is still shy when confronted with unfamiliar children
May play more fantasy games as imagination takes flight
Is very inquisitive by nature
Will seek approval from parents and build confidence as parents give praise
May experience a sleep regression just before the age of three due to the rapid brain and physical development; may struggle to settle down at night

Is able to fully comprehend object permanence (that an object is present although it cannot be seen)
Enjoys building puzzles
Is able to describe pictures and identify a wide range of objects
Notices and questions everything

May get dressed and undressed numerous times per day
Potty-training will be in full swing by this age
Is able to self-feed independently

May start exploring with scissors while attempting to cut a piece of paper in half
Is able to string large beads
May draw stick figures of self and attempt to include family members

Is able to reach the handles of most doors and may explore with opening and closing doors
Enjoys climbing, running and jumping activities and exerts high energy
Exploring outdoor activities is crucial for development at this age

Is able to name a few colours and shapes
Is able to recognise the first letter of own name
Is able to converse in 3 to 4 sentences and is eager to talk to anyone who will listen
Shows an extensive vocabulary of 550 words
May ask plenty of “why” questions

Is able to make friends more easily
Shows a better understanding of the concept of sharing
May start to mimic adult behaviour like playing “doctor” or “house”

May start to tell stories through artwork or playdough creations
Memory is developing rapidly at this age
Is able to understand the difference between present and past tense

Enjoys involvement in household tasks and actively participates
May start to experiment with a knife and fork
Enjoys packing own bag when going out

May start to fold a piece of paper and roughly cut out a shape
Is able to understand the concept of tracing; may still need assistance
Enjoys working with paste and glue sticks
Is able to stack and balance towers of 10+ blocks

Is experimenting with new motor skills such as hopping, skipping and galloping
Shows boundless energy during physical activities
Is able to ride and manoeuvre a tricycle with minimal assistance
Catches, kicks and throws a ball accurately

Vocabulary may increase to between 800 to 850 words
Is able to use 4 to 5-word sentences
Enjoys storytelling and asks endless questions
Has a better sense of manners and is able to use please and thank you in the correct context
May start to use words from a second language (if exposed to one)

Enjoys engaging in activities with other children and converses well with peers
Is able to express own emotions, relate to others and show more empathy
May start to engage in symbolic play, for example, using a hairbrush as a microphone
May resist naptime, and bedtime may be a challenge
May develop a fear of the dark and be shy around strangers

Is able to distinguish between present, past and future
Is able to follow more complex instructions
Is able to learn, retain and apply new information
Shows an improvement in focused attention
Is able to sort objects according to categories

Enjoys helping with household chores like setting or clearing the table
Is able to eat, drink and get dressed independently