Hi Makaia,

Thank you for writing to JustAsk.  Rest assured that your 3 1/2 year old is learning!  Isaac is learning to negotiate through his day by developing small and large motor tasks when he is active and playing.  He also is picking up language and social-emotional skills while associating with is peers.  Learning "school basics' at three years of age are not necessary for him right now. He is still learning to take interest in basic developmental skills.  However, you can help him to become interested by incorporating his gross motor skills with basic readiness skills.  For example, count the number of blocks in a sidewalk.  Mark them with chalk that washes away.  Even show him the numbers by numbering each one.  Count all kinds of things in the environment.  This can be great fun when baking cookies or playing with play-do!  

When you go grocery shopping give Isaac the newspaper circular and circle a few items that you wish to buy. This little "game" is helpful for building pre-reading and reading skills.  Have him look for these circled items in the store by matching the picture with the item.  Give him clues, such as HOT and COLD when you are close or far away from the item.  Try and pick things that would be on lower shelves so he can concentrate looking at his height.  When you find the correct match then show your child how you know by pointing out the letter on the packaging.  Reward him by allowing him the privilege of putting the item on the conveyor belt and the check-out.

In summary, Isaac appears to be developing on target and needs a little nudge to help with pre-readiness and readiness skills.

I would suggest that you may wish to check out a kindergarten readiness book when he is 4- 4 1/2 years of age.  This book is titled, "Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten" by Stacey Kannenberg  (Cedar Valley Publishing).  This book is interactive, fun and can be used with a dry erase marker (yes, a book that wipes clean!)

Thank you again for writing!  Good luck-

Louise Masin Sattler, NCSP
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Owner of SigningFamilies
http://www.SigningFamilies.com