Perhaps you could work out a chart for your major routine, you can use little pictures for things- a plate for meals, shopping carts etc. Then he can see what's happening, that might lossen him up little. i always tell the kids-if we get time i want to ... Checking the weather is smart cookie stuff
I like the idea of priming him for things and questioning him, but at 3 he may have trouble verbalising it totally.
Hugs

Sorry if it doesn't make sense, the barefoot princess is covering me with kisses