3 years, 3 months old
Little Explorers at Heart
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 39 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
3 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello wonderful parent!
Wow another month in the thick of life with a curios 3 year old; where every walk turns into a treasure hunt, and every answer is followed by “but why?” (again… and again 😄).
You might notice your little one wanting to do more for themselves, asking bigger questions, and moving constantly; climbing, spinning, collecting, creating. It’s a stage full of discovery, independence, and very big ideas in very little bodies.
And amongst the mess, the movement, and the million questions… you being there alongside them is more than enough.
Activity 1: Nature Treasure Hunt & Sort
How: Head outside and turn your walk into a treasure hunt! Take a basket or little bag and see what "treasures" you can find together.
Back at home, or at the end of the walk; tip it all out and invite them to sort their treasures… their way. Big, small, spiky, “my favourites". Just be their appreciating their finds, pick out your favorites, give them describing words about colours, textures.
You can give them an egg carton to sort smaller pieces or lay it all out on the floor!
Why: This is early science in action, noticing, comparing, and making sense of the world. But even more than that, it’s about following their ideas, trusting their thinking, and letting them lead. Because when there’s no right way… their way becomes the best way.
Activity 3: Spin & Balance Play
How: Let them spin on the spot, twirl with you, or use a chair/swing. Add in moments of “freeze!” and see if they can stop and steady themselves.
Why: Spinning and balancing support their vestibular system (their sense of movement and balance), which is key for coordination, focus, and even emotional regulation.
Nursery Rhyme: Hickory Dickory Dock
Hickory dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory dickory dock.
A classic for a reason; try tapping, stomping, or acting it out together. These simple rhythms build language, memory, and connection (and are perfect for resetting the mood when needed!). There shoulders and head can always be the clock and your fingers the mouse, to get a few tickly giggles.
Book of the Month: The Very Busy Spider – Eric Carle
This beautifully illustrated story follows a determined little spider as she spins her web, despite all the distractions around her.
With its gentle repetition and textured pages, it invites little hands to explore while introducing ideas of focus and persistence. It’s a lovely reminder that children don’t always need to be redirected, sometimes they’re deeply engaged in something that matters to them.
And as always, it’s not about the book itself… it’s about the moments you share reading it together 💛
Did You Know?
At this age, movement, collecting, and exploring are all forms of learning.
When your child gathers sticks, spins in circles, or lines things up “just so,” they’re building connections in their brain; understanding patterns, testing ideas, and making sense of the world around them.
What might look like simple play is actually rich, layered learning happening in real time.
Social & Emotional Skill Building
Learning to handle frustration (and keep trying)
At 3, things don’t always go to plan; the tower falls, the shoe won’t go on, the game doesn’t work how they imagined. These moments can feel big for little people.
Instead of fixing it straight away, try sitting alongside them and naming what’s happening:
“That’s really frustrating… you were trying so hard.”
“It didn’t work the way you wanted.”
Then give them a moment. You might be surprised how often they reset and try again.
These small experiences, help children learn that tricky feelings pass, and that they’re capable of working through challenges — with you right there beside them 💛
✨ Remember
Your child doesn’t need perfectly planned activities or a full schedule.
They need space to move, time to explore, and you, right there alongside them.
In the questions, the collecting, the spinning, the mess…
that’s where the learning is. And you’re already right in it 💛