Preschooler
Preschoolers are busy learning basic life skills and developing a newfound sense of independence. They are learning to do things on their own like dressing and feeding themselves. They have rapidly developing language skills and an imagination to match! Watch their personalities blossom as they busily learn through play. Preschoolers are trying to understand the “whys” of the world, and are just beginning to understand emotions and how to manage them. Preschoolers need clear and simple rules to help them learn boundaries and manage their behavior. This is the time to make sure they are developing the critical skills they need to be ready for kindergarten, and they will learn best when you make it fun.
What to Expect
Social & Emotional
- Enjoys doing new things
- Plays “Mom” and “Dad”
- Is more and more creative with make-believe play
- Would rather play with other children than by himself
- Cooperates with other children
- Often can’t tell what’s real and what’s make-believe
- Talks about what she likes and what she is interested in
Language/Communication
- Knows some basic rules of grammar, such as correctly using “he” and “she”
- Sings a song or says a poem from memory such as the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” or the “Wheels on the Bus”
- Tells stories
- Can say first and last name
Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
- Names some colors and some numbers
- Understands the idea of counting
- Starts to understand time
- Remembers parts of a story
- Understands the idea of “same” and “different”
- Draws a person with 2 to 4 body parts
- Uses scissors
- Starts to copy some capital letters
- Plays board or card games
- Tells you what he thinks is going to happen next in a book
Movement/Physical Development
- Hops and stands on 1 foot up to 2 seconds
- Catches a bounced ball most of the time
- Pours, cuts with supervision, and mashes own food
Social & Emotional
- Copies adults and friends
- Shows affection for friends without prompting
- Takes turns in games
- Shows concern for crying friend
- Understands the idea of “mine” and “his” or “hers”
- Shows a wide range of emotions
- Separates easily from mom and dad
- May get upset with major changes in routine
- Dresses and undresses self
Language/Communication
- Follows instructions with 2 or 3 steps
- Can name most familiar things
- Understands words like “in,” “on,” and “under”
- Says first name, age, and sex
- Names a friend
- Says words like “I,” “me,” “we,” and “you” and some plurals (cars, dogs, cats)
- Talks well enough for strangers to understand most of the time
- Carries on a conversation using 2 to 3 sentences
Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
- Can work toys with buttons, levers, and moving parts
- Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people
- Does puzzles with 3 or 4 pieces
- Understands what “two” means
- Copies a circle with pencil or crayon
- Turns book pages 1 at a time
- Builds towers of more than 6 blocks
- Screws and unscrews jar lids or turns door handle
Movement/Physical Development
- Climbs well
- Runs easily
- Pedals a tricycle (3-wheel bike)
- Walks up and down stairs, 1 foot on each step
Some local resources for your preschooler include:
Medical Provider/Pediatrician
Welcome Newborns (Potty Training Info)
Department of Health & Human Services
Great Start Kindergarten Readiness Booklet
Autism Speaks-parent toolboxes
www.babycenter.com- the discipline tool kit-successful strategies for every age
If you are curious about your child's development, click here to take an online screening
If you are curious about your child's social and emotional development, click here to take an online screening