3-Year-Old Preschool Classroom at Heritage Preschool | Oak Ridge, TN
At Heritage Preschool in Oak Ridge, TN, our 3-Year-Old Classroom is designed to provide a nurturing, educational, and fun environment where your child can continue to grow, explore, and develop essential skills for preschool readiness. We focus on language development, cognitive growth, social-emotional learning, and physical coordination, all through a play-based, hands-on curriculum that encourages curiosity and creativity.
Learning Milestones for 3-Year-Olds
During this exciting stage of development, 3-year-olds are refining their communication, motor skills, and emotional awareness. Our curriculum is designed to support these key milestones:
Language & Communication
Vocabulary Expansion: 3-year-olds experience a vocabulary explosion and begin forming simple sentences. We support language development through storytime, songs, and conversation with peers and teachers.
Listening Skills: Children develop the ability to follow directions, listen to stories, and participate in group discussions, improving their comprehension and communication.
Early Writing Skills: Children begin practicing their handwriting skills, learning to hold pencils, crayons, and markers, and starting to make marks and shapes.
Cognitive & Early Learning Skills
Early Math Concepts: 3-year-olds explore concepts such as numbers, shapes, sizes, and patterns, preparing them for early math skills.
Problem-Solving: Toddlers practice problem-solving through hands-on activities such as building with blocks, sorting, and matching games.
Memory & Recognition: Through activities like matching games, memory exercises, and daily routines, children improve their ability to recognize patterns and remember details.
Social & Emotional Development
Peer Interaction: 3-year-olds begin engaging in cooperative play, learning to share, take turns, and develop friendships with peers.
Self-Regulation: Teachers model and guide children through managing emotions, teaching skills like calming down, expressing feelings, and building self-confidence.
Independence: At this stage, children gain confidence in their abilities and begin to perform simple tasks independently, such as washing hands, picking up toys, and making choices.
Physical Development
Fine Motor Skills: Activities like drawing, cutting with scissors, and using small toys help improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.
Gross Motor Skills: Running, jumping, climbing, and dancing help develop physical strength and coordination.
Self-Care Skills: 3-year-olds begin learning to take care of themselves by practicing skills like dressing, using the bathroom, and feeding themselves.

Play-Based Learning: Our approach encourages children to learn through play, exploration, and creativity, which builds essential academic, social, and emotional skills.
Experienced Teachers: Our teachers are trained in early childhood development and are dedicated to providing individualized attention and guidance to each child.
Safe, Nurturing Environment: At Heritage Preschool, we create a warm, loving environment where children feel safe and confident while learning and growing.
Small Class Sizes: Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures each child receives personalized care and attention, which promotes a more effective learning experience.
Daily Updates for Parents: We keep parents informed about their child’s daily activities through our Brightwheel app, milestones, and progress, fostering a strong partnership in your child’s development.
Classroom Activities for 3-Year-Olds
Storytime & Literacy Activities: Engaging stories and early reading activities to foster a love of books and language.
Art & Creativity: Hands-on art projects, painting, and sensory play that encourage creativity and improve fine motor skills.
Outdoor Play: Physical activities, including running, jumping, and climbing, to enhance gross motor skills and overall health.
Music & Movement: Fun songs and movement activities to develop rhythm, coordination, and language skills.
Group Play: Cooperative games that encourage sharing, turn-taking, and social interaction with peers.
Why Oak Ridge Parents Trust Heritage Preschool
At Heritage Preschool, we provide a well-rounded, enriching experience for 3-year-olds, that lays the foundation for lifelong learning and social skills. Parents in Oak Ridge, TN trust us for our play-based curriculum, personalized care, and commitment to fostering a positive, supportive environment where every child feels valued.
In addition to our in-person services, we’ve collected a handful of helpful resources for parents and guardians to make use of at home.