Age: About 4 years

Motor Skills
*Hops and stands on one foot for a few seconds. .
*Catches a bounced ball much of the time.
*Tries to write name. .
*Draws a face..
*Tries to cut paper with blunt scissors.
*Attempts to button, buckle and snap but usually needs help.
*Dresses and undresses doll in clothing with large zippers, snaps, and laces. .
*Brushes teeth with help.
*Pours from a small pitcher.
*Can get himself started when on a swing and may be able to keep it moving.
*Tries to skip.
*Strings large objects.
*Begins to copy some letters.

Cognitive Skills
*Recognizes some colors.
*Wants to know what will happen next.
*Distinguishes between what is real and what is imaginary.
*Follow instructions with up to three commands (put the toys away, wash your hands, and get your coat).
*Identifies situations that could lead to happiness, sadness and anger. V *Colors with crayons or chalk.
*Counts up to five objects.
*Understands taking turns and may do so without being reminded.
*Understands "big," "little," "short," "tall".
*Can sort objects by shape or color.
*Social Skills and Language


Social Skills and Language
*Speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand.
*Has a large vocabulary and speaks in sentences of five or more words.
*Tells stories.
*Often prefers playing with other children.
*Wants explanations of "why" and "how".
*Changes the rules of play as he goes along.
*Likes to play "dress up."
*Separates from parent for short periods without crying.
*Beginning to master some basic rules of grammar (past tense, plurals).
*Shares when asked.
*Enjoys playing games like tag, hide and go seek, and duck duck goose.
*Likes to do things for himself.

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Age: About 5 years

Motor Skills
*Able to dress and undress self with little assistance. V *Throws a ball over head.
*Rides a tricycle with great skill. May be interested in a two-wheeled bike.
*Feeds self, using a fork, spoon and maybe a table knife.
*Jumps over low objects.
*Hand dominance is established.
*Hops, somersaults, swings, and climbs.
*Draws a person and includes the body.
*Prints some letters.
*Copies shapes and patterns.

Cognitive Skills
*Knows all of the basic colors.
*Able to memorize his address and phone number.
*Counts up to 10 objects.
*Interested in cause and effect.
*Tells longer stories.
*Understands that stories have a beginning, middle, and ending.
*Enjoys riddles and jokes.
*Better understands the concept of time.
*Enjoys collecting things.
*More sensitive to the needs of others. Notices when someone else is happy or sad.

Social Skills and Language
*Speaks in sentences of more than 5 words.
*Invents games with simple rules.
*Organizes objects for pretend play.
*Uses swear words or "bathroom talk" to elicit your response.
*Likes to make own decisions but can become bossy in doing so.
*Wants to be like and please his friends.
*Likes to sing, dance and act.
*Shows more independence and may enjoy a play date without a parent.