Month 43

Repeating motor skills over and over strengthens the neural circuits that go from the brain’s thinking areas to the motor areas and out to the nerves that move muscles.

As young children mature, they begin to use movements and actions to act out internal ideas and try them out for real. They may repeat certain activities over and over again and in this way, will be laying down the foundation for the development of skills and preparation for future learning.

Individual learning styles may begin to emerge such as Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic (touch, movement and emotions), which can indicate a child’s sensory preference when taking in and recalling information. Younger toddlers may be happy playing and pretending on their own but may get drawn into co-operative play when attracted by the plan or idea.

How I think @ 43 months

I am developing well in my body coordination in galloping. As my ability improves, my movements will become smoother, I will be able to go further and I will also learn to gallop with either side of my body leading!

I am also developing good visual sequencing and coordination between my visual and motor systems. My thinking and problem solving skills are also getting better.

Motor Development: Gross Motor Skills
• I can gallop like a horse
• I can kick, throw and catch a ball – though I might keep dropping it

Motor Development: Fine Motor Skills
• I like drawing shapes and coloring them
• I like to paint and play with crayons and paints
• I can string beads together in a sequence of color and/ or shape

Language and Thinking Development
• I might be able to tell you my age by showing the number on my hand!
• I like talking to myself and making long speeches
• I can tell three consecutive numbers in order
• As my memory improves, I'll be able to recognize individual numbers and letters upon sight, and repeat series of numbers of letters on command.

Social and Emotional Development
• I love to cuddle my siblings, friends and mommy and daddy!
• I am developing a mind of my own and might begin to enter a rebellious and strong-willed phase
• I seek my independence though I also want cuddles from mommy and daddy!

Activities