If you have a 3 year old, this information is for you!
You will find out exactly what the best learning toys for 3 year old’s are!
Additionally, I will provide examples as to how you can use these toys to facilitate language and learning with your child.
As with the other articles in the Best Learning Toys series, I don’t always specifically mention pretend play in the language and learning opportunities sections, however all of the toys chosen are excellent for open-ended pretend play!
To skip to a particular toy category, click on the link below.
- Vehicle Playsets
- Train Tables
- Play Kitchens
- Toy Grocery Carts
- Kids Tents and Tunnels
- Playhouses
Since there is a lot of information here I have converted this article into a PDF file for you to download and share with your child’s caregivers, grandparents, etc.
6 Must Have Educational Toys For Preschoolers!
Vehicle Playsets
Vehicles are wonderful for language and learning and they are loved by both boys and girls.
Try to expose your children to toys that may be marketed to the other gender.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a girl playing with cars or working at a toolbench.
Just like there is nothing wrong if a boy wants to push a doll around in a stroller (my son loved doing this, actually I am pretty sure he still does – he is 6 now).
Language & Learning Opportunities of Vehicle Playsets:
- Vocabulary: Label the different vehicles (car, truck, boat, train, plane, bus, bike, firetruck, etc.). You can also go into more detail and talk about the parts of each vehicle (doors, windows, wheels, roof, steering wheel, lights, etc.). This helps children learn that a combination of smaller parts makes an item whole.
- Verbs/Adjectives: For example, drive, fast, slow, bumpy, smooth, go, stop, fly, float, etc.
- Prepositions/Concepts: Talk about where the car is going. For example, it could go “through” the tunnel, or “over” the bridge. It could also go “under” a bridge, or “on” the road.
If you have a garage playset you can extend the language and learning opportunities.
You and your child can “fix” a broken car, put gas in it, watch it drive up and down the ramp and so much more!
If you don’t have a garage playset, you can still do these things, but you will need to use your imagination a bit more.
If you are crafty, you can also build a road/ramp out of wood or cardboard!
Train Tables
Train tables are another great toy for 3 year olds. They are usually a bit more expensive, but they can provide hours of entertainment and learning.
Language & Learning Opportunities of Train Tables:
- Vocabulary: Talk about the different parts of the train (engine, caboose, track, bridge, tunnel, etc.).
- Verbs/Adjectives: Use words like chug, pull, push, fast, slow, etc.
- Prepositions/Concepts: The train goes over the bridge, under the tunnel, around the track, etc.
Train tables also encourage cooperative play if more than one child is playing, which is great for social development.
Play Kitchens
Play kitchens are one of my favorite toys for language development!
They are great for pretend play and can be used in so many different ways.
Language & Learning Opportunities of Play Kitchens:
- Vocabulary: Name the different items in the kitchen (spoon, fork, pot, pan, stove, sink, etc.).
- Verbs/Adjectives: Stir, cook, bake, hot, cold, etc.
- Prepositions/Concepts: Put the pot on the stove, take the food out of the oven, etc.
You can also incorporate counting (e.g., count the number of cookies), colors (e.g., the red apple), and more.
Toy Grocery Carts
Toy grocery carts are great for pretend play and can be used with play food, empty food containers, or even real food items.
Language & Learning Opportunities of Toy Grocery Carts:
- Vocabulary: Name the different food items (apple, banana, milk, bread, etc.).
- Verbs/Adjectives: Push, pull, heavy, light, etc.
- Prepositions/Concepts: Put the milk in the cart, take the bread out of the cart, etc.
You can also set up a pretend grocery store and have your child be the shopper or the cashier.
Kids Tents and Tunnels
Tents and tunnels are great for gross motor play and can also be used for pretend play.
Language & Learning Opportunities of Kids Tents and Tunnels:
- Vocabulary: Tent, tunnel, crawl, hide, etc.
- Verbs/Adjectives: Crawl, hide, seek, dark, light, etc.
- Prepositions/Concepts: Crawl through the tunnel, hide in the tent, etc.
You can also use the tent as a reading nook or a quiet space for your child.
Playhouses
Playhouses are another great toy for pretend play and can be used in many different ways.
Language & Learning Opportunities of Playhouses:
- Vocabulary: House, door, window, roof, etc.
- Verbs/Adjectives: Open, close, knock, big, small, etc.
- Prepositions/Concepts: Go inside the house, come out of the house, etc.
You can also incorporate themes like playing house, school, or even a restaurant.
Remember, the key to using these toys for language development is to engage with your child during play.
Talk about what they are doing, ask questions, and introduce new vocabulary.
Play is a powerful tool for learning!
