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Red light, green light: a play idea for 3 year olds

Stopping and going on a word is practice in listening and self-control. It takes about 10 minutes and uses nothing but you.

Checked October 29, 2026.

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How to play

Red light, green light3 year olds · about 10 minutes

You need: nothing at all.

  1. Stand at one end of a yard or room; your child stands at the other.
  2. Say "Green light!" and they walk toward you.
  3. Say "Red light!" and they freeze.
  4. Swap roles; big siblings can play too.

Builds: moving and using hands and social and emotional. Stopping and going on a word is practice in listening and self-control.

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