Cognitive and language activities for a 3 yr old?

Question

I am studying for my diploma in childrens services and am currently doing an assignment on cognitive and language skills. I have done obs and checklists on a 3 yr old, he is at an appropriate age/stage development level for both but has a bit of trouble naming basic shapes, recognising his name in print and painting shapes. I need to plan 2 activities, one cog the other language. I have sum ideas but would appreciate any others you might have. He is 3 yrs old, loves Shrek and superheroes and is easily influenced by his friends i.e. if he doesnt want to do sumthing he wont, but if they do he will..

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Use a Shrek book...cut out pictures. Make a story board story with the pictures. Have the child make paper dolls and talk for them. Have the child tell a story using the Shrek pictures.

Answer 3

There wonder free download of computer games for building a child's cognitive and language skills. Have found even the three years, who can't otherwise concentrate or sit still, to have kept up their excitement following the program activities. You might want to check out the computer to get some of the programs to inspire you on your assignment.

Answer 4

Hi i'm a nursery Nurse in Scotland have been qualified and working with pre school children for over eight years old. You need a cognitive activity that reinforces shapes. You could use wooden shapes, jigsaw shapes, shape worksheets (just draw the shape and get child to colour in or paint and talk about the shape to reinforce) you could link the worksheet to Shrek eg what shape is Shrek's tummy look it looks like a circle. Try making up the children's name in print and select a small group including his friends to do an activity. Use children's name's for snack time eg they must first select their name then post it in a box this will help the child to recognise his name. Or write his name out in dots and encourage him to  join the dots. I would try and use his friends and his interests to your advantage good luck.

Answer 5

I would use blocks that are different shapes and colors and just play with him.  This makes it more of a play time than a schooling type thing.  Also, for example, you can ask him to hand you that red triangle shaped block.  Occaisionally ask him like what color a certain block is, or what shape it resembles.

Answer 6

Tomi's idea about shapes is best.  As far as teaching pre-reading skills, first introduce words in pictures.  My son recognized the "Sesame Street" logo because of its color and design.  After a while, I started writing the word in green.  Then I started writing it normally or showing him the words typed.  You can do the same with his name.  I wouldn't expect him to be really reading it this early, just recognizing it as a picture.  

I absolutely agree with using his "heroes" as teaching tools.  I can't draw well but I'd trace the pictures and eventually draw good enough to convey a message.  I bet there are already shapes lessons (coloring books) with Shrek or other superheroes.

Answer 7

I have done this activity with groups, I don't know if or how it would work with a single kid. I cut out shapes in different colors from construction paper or color foam sheets (one shape per sheet, as large as possible to step on them), scatter them on the floor and call out either a shape or a color, everybody has to run and step on the correct shape or color.