My days of parenting a 3-year old may be in the past, but I am the luckiest teacher in the world. I have a class with delightful 2 and 3-year olds that I can’t wait to try some of these activities with. Three is such a magical age because everything is still so new but independence is emerging. These activities for 3-year-olds aren’t just about making something pretty, even if that’s the end result of some. It’s about building skills, exploring colors, and connecting with others. If you have done any of these with your kids let me know about it, I want to hear your experience!
Finger Paint & Fine Motor Acron Craft – this craft focuses first on the process of finger painting and then adds in some skill building and probably a little counting with the addition of the buttons.
This Cutting Practice Apple Craft will definitely be something I do with my class. Practicing scissor skills is not just for cutting, it builds hand strength which is a building block for handwriting and other things like self care ( buttoning shirts, using zippers, and utensils too).
Turkey Feather Hunt is a scavenger hunt with a purpose. Not only is it a great way to get your kids moving, but aslo picking up those little feathers and recognizing colors.
This Fall Farm Sensory Tub is a blast to play in but it’s also kind of like the watercooler at an office. Sensory tables are places for interaction in young classes where student to student interaction isn’t plentiful, especially in first few weeks. Kids talk around sensory tables!
Another place kids chat even if it’s just to say ” May I please have that …” is over playdough. This No-Cook Pumpkin Spice Playdough recipe is also fun to make!
This Peel & Pick Apple Tree is a favorite and I will be doing this in my class, substituting the letters with my students names. Recognizing their first name is such an important milestone for new 3 year olds.
Using different shapes to make a scarecorw is just plain fun! The goal of this Shape Scarecrow isn’t to have some rad looking scarecrow that looks exactly as you’d expect, it’s to manipulate shapes and learn that shapes can work together to make something new. If I were to do this in my class we’d read a book about scarecrows so the students knew what they were but I wouldn’t share a sample of the art, I’d want them to create using all the shapes.
Making somthing that can be used for more PLAY is always a win for 3-year olds. These Turkey Puppets are not only fun to play with they are also quick to make. There is no glue so no drying time, kids can play right away!
Pumpkin Printing is a fun art activity but it’s also an opportunity to investigate what’s inside a pumpkin! Slice, explore, and then make some art!
For more great fall ideas check out our printable thematic units. See what they include and how you can save 20% here!
Jessica says
This roundup is very timely for me! My little guy will be 3 at the beginning of November!
Allison McDonald says
I hope you have fun with it!!
Diana says
Great ideas. I’m going to try these ideas with my grandson who is 3
Robin says
Cute ideas. Check your spelling under Apple Craft (utensils).
Allison McDonald says
Thanks!
Allison says
We used your “Shape Scarecrow” activity in my special needs k-2 classroom. It was a great way to talk about shapes and color, while integrating our science learning goal focusing on the five senses. This activity held my children’s attention and was a fun fine motor activity as well! I am very grateful for your ideas you offer, as I am a first year teacher. Thank you!