Bledidoc Advice

The intellectual development of the child is the acquisition of knowledge, the ability to think creatively, to pay attention, to understand and solve problems, to memorize information and to exercise judgment(1).

Two important factors in intellectual development:

Language

Language develops rapidly at this age. Vocabulary increases from 50-100 words to over 2000 words(1).

1. The child begins to understand questions such as: with what? how much? why?
2. The child understands certain concepts: on, under, before, after
3. Most children use possessives (my ball)
4. He begins to use the past and the future
5. He recognizes and knows how to name the different colors
6. He makes complete sentences of at least 3-5 words
7. He often asks questions
8. He begins to understand the terms associated with time: yesterday, today, tomorrow, day, night(1)

Reasoning 

Reasoning is the ability to think about a situation or problem, identify important elements and make connections between them. As children learn and their brains develop, reasoning becomes easier for them(1).

1. Between the ages of 3 and 6, the symbolic game becomes more and more developed and realistic.
2. The child takes role-playing seriously. For example, if he plays the role of a fireman, he puts out fires(1). 
3. He knows the sequence of daily activities and is becoming more and more independent(1). 
4. Can classify objects according to characteristics such as size or color(2). 
5. He/she can put the steps of a story in order by following the chronology of events(2). 
6. He understands the order of numbers(2). 

A nutritionally adequate and balanced diet is crucial for the optimum growth, development and boosting of the immune function in children and to prevent the above mentioned physical and psychological ill-effects(2).

Adequate intake of both macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein and fat) as well as micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) is essential during toddler years to ensure optimal growth and brain development. Providing toddlers with a healthy balanced diet will optimize their physical and cognitive development, promote attainment of a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease later in life. Achieving a balanced diet is all about eating a variety of foods, in the right proportions, providing a good combination of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. Each of these nutrients has a vital role in the all-round growth and development of children(3). 

How can you help your child develop reasoning skills?

To help your child, you should read him stories, let him explore his environment, ask him questions that allow him to think: Why? Why? How? When faced with a small difficulty, encourage him to think of other solutions or other ways of doing things.

Other recommendations:

1. Play memory games together. For example, a game where you turn over cards to find the two pictures that are the same. 
2. Reinforce their imagination by asking them questions about the continuation of a story.
3. Give them construction games.
4. Encourage them to find different uses for certain objects: cardboard box, plastic plate...(3)

Dr. Khaled MAKKI

Pediatrician

^{1- https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/etape/3-5-ans/developpement/3-4-ans/fiche.aspx?doc=ik-naitre-grandir-enfant-3-4- ans-intellectuel}

^{2- https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/etape/3-5-ans/developpement/4-5-ans/fiche.aspx?doc=ik-naitre-grandir-enfant-4-5- ans-intellectuel}

^{3- https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/etape/3-5-ans/apprentissage-jeux/fiche.aspx?doc=raisonnement-comment-le- developper}