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Developmental Milestones

 

Girl with teddy bears

We’ve made it easy to know any-age child’s
key developmental milestones. Using our
Head-to-Toe system, our child-experts included the major stages of development in
key categories such as Imagination, Language and Dexterity and more…broken-out in
simple-to-grasp 3-month blocks of time.

 

Below are the typical skills a child learns and develops for each age group. Please keep in mind that all children develop at different speeds. If your child is not able to do all of
these functions, do not be alarmed. If you believe that your child is behind in learning
and developing these skills please consult
your pediatrician.

 

 

 

Newborn

Newborn

IMAGINATION

  • Plays with a rattle
  • Briefly looks at objects
  • Attempts to imitate facial expressions
  • Seeks to make eye contact with an adult

EDUCATION

  • Follows objects with eyes
  • Quiets when picked up
  • Shows happiness when touched

LANGUAGE

  • Moves in response to a noise
  • Quiets to a familiar voice
  • Looks at speaker and smiles at them (two months)
  • Begins to coo and laugh
  • Has a “special” cry for hunger

DEXTERITY

  • Squeezes a finger in a tight grasp
  • Grasps and holds a rattle for limited time
  • Brings hand to midline while laying on back

LOCOMOTION

  • Rolls on back from both sides
  • Responds to sounds by turning head
  • Tracks objects with eyes from side to side
  • When placed on stomach: bears weight on forearms and lifts head and trunk slightly
  • When held upright: lifts and bobbles head

SOCIAL

  • Responds with a smile
  • Makes eye contact
  • Anticipates pleasurable activities
  • Shows displeasure
  • Soothes by rocking

EMOTION

  • Learns trust (security and basic optimism) vs. basic mistrust (insecurity and mistrustful)
  • Demonstrates generalized tension (0-one month)
  • Shows delight and/or distress

3 Months

IMAGINATION

  • Enjoys frolic play
  • Reaches for objects
  • Bangs objects in play
  • Smiles at self in mirror

EDUCATION

  • Repeats enjoyable activities
  • Finds partially hidden objects
  • Recognizes parents’ voice
  • Shows interest in an object or person for approximately one minute

LANGUAGE

  • Turns head deliberatley toward speaker
  • Responds to "no" (half of the time)
  • Discriminates between angry vs. friendly voices
  • Babbles whether alone or with others
  • Takes turns vocalizing in response to voices and songs

DEXTERITY

  • Extends arms toward an object
  • Plays with own fingers
  • Grasps the string of a pull toy and pulls it towards self to obtain the toy
  • Keeps hand open

LOCOMOTION

  • Maintains head upright when placed on stomach
  • Shifts weight from one forearm to the other when placed on stomach
  • Rolls from back to sides, then later from back to stomach
  • Maintains balance when placed in a sitting position

SOCIAL

  • Enjoys social play, attention and strangers
  • Recognizes parents visually
  • Smiles discriminately
  • Expects feeding, dressing and bathing

EMOTION

  • Learns trust (security and basic optimism) vs. basic mistrust (insecurity and mistrustful)
  • Enjoys being cuddled

6 Months

IMAGINATION

  • Searches for hidden objects (object permanence)
  • Smiles and laughs during games
  • Demonstrates anticipation of play activities
  • Reaches for self in a mirror

EDUCATION

  • Encourages adult's hand to restart a toy
  • Reaches for objects
  • Play increases to approximately two-three minutes with a single toy
  • Plays "peek-a-boo"
  • Shows interest in the sounds of objects

LANGUAGE

  • Responds with arm gestures to "up", "bye bye", and "high"
  • Attends to pictures
  • Recognizes own name and family member’s names
  • Sings along with familiar songs
  • Vocalizes two-syllable combinations

DEXTERITY

  • Picks up small objects and transfers them from one hand to the other
  • Bangs cups on the table
  • Crumples paper with palms

LOCOMOTION

  • Reaches for objects while balancing on forearm and lying on stomach
  • Pulls to sitting using a person's fingers and sits unsupported
  • Maintains balance in sitting while reaching for a toy
  • Rolls from stomach to back

SOCIAL

  • Smiles when looking in a mirror
  • Displays stranger anxiety
  • Distinguishes self as separate from parent
  • Observes environment
  • Responds to name

EMOTION

  • Learns trust (security and basic optimism) vs. basic mistrust (insecurity and mistrustful)
  • Protests separation from mother

9 Months

IMAGINATION

  • Participates in speech routine games
  • Pushes a toy car
  • Covers face with a blanket during peek-a-boo
  • Imitates stirring with a spoon
  • Plays pat-a-cake

EDUCATION

  • Throws objects
  • Looks for hidden sounds
  • Engages in means-to-end (i.e. pulls string)
  • Looks at pictures for approximately one minute
  • Unwraps toys, takes rings apart

LANGUAGE

  • Attends to new words (primarily nouns)
  • Gives toys upon request
  • Understands simple commands and questions
  • Says one-two word approximations meaningfully
  • Babbles/jargons frequently

DEXTERITY

  • Removes three pegs from a pegboard
  • Picks up cheerios with a pincer grasp
  • Imitates scribble on paper
  • Bangs two objects together

LOCOMOTION

  • Bears weight on hands and knees and creeps forward a few feet
  • Scoots forward on buttocks when sitting upright
  • Pulls to sitting from a sturdy object
  • Maintains balance while standing for a few seconds
  • Raises self to sitting from stomach
  • Cruises along furniture for a few steps

SOCIAL

  • Very attached/tests parents
  • Shows like or dislike of certain people, objects, and places
  • Extends toys to others
  • Explores environment enthusiasticallly
  • Seeks reaction from others

EMOTION

  • Develops a fear of strangers
  • Develops ability to feel anger and affection
  • Gains curiousity and desire for exploration

1 Year

1 Year

IMAGINATION

  • Feeds others
  • Hugs dolls and people
  • Demonstrates functional use of objects (brushes hair)
  • Plays fetching games with adults
  • Explores toys

EDUCATION

  • Stacks rings
  • Begins to notice color
  • Nests blocks inside each other
  • Helps turn pages
  • Places circle correctly in a shape sorter

LANGUAGE

  • Understands new words and attends to pictures when named
  • Names large body parts on self (ears, mouth etc.)
  • Begins to understand action words
  • Says up to seven-ten words consistently
  • Communicates using true words along with gestures

DEXTERITY

  • Takes lids off of objects
  • Stirs a spoon in a cup
  • Opens a book
  • Points with index finger
  • Marks paper with crayons

LOCOMOTION

  • Creeps up steps on hands and knees
  • Walks with support, then takes steps unaided with a wide base of support, then walks ten feet with a narrow base of support
  • Maintains balance in a kneeling position while reaching for objects

SOCIAL

  • Recognizes familiar people
  • Gives toys to adults
  • Displays independent behavior–learns "no"
  • Acts impulsively

EMOTION

  • Becomes upset when separated from mother
  • Shows dependent behavior

1 1/4 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Plays with toys in different ways
  • Plays ball with adults
  • Places one object inside another
  • Hands a toy to an adult for assistance

EDUCATION

  • Uses trial and error skills
  • Matches sounds to animals
  • Places circle and square correctly in a shape sorter
  • Turns pages a few at a time

LANGUAGE

  • Follows two directions with one object
  • Identifies objects by category
  • Understands approximately 50 words
  • Gains three-four spoken words per month
  • Imitates words overheard in conversation
  • Asks "more?" and "what's that?"

DEXTERITY

  • Stacks two-three cubes
  • Grasps a marker with thumb and first finger
  • Puts objects in and out of a container

LOCOMOTION

  • Walks independently
  • Creeps backwards down steps
  • Walks up four steps holding a wall or rail
  • Walks backwards
  • Lifts foot and attempts to kick a ball
  • Throws a small ball overhead

SOCIAL

  • Identifies self in mirror
  • Enjoys being the center of attention
  • Hugs and kisses parents
  • Shows toy preferences

EMOTION

  • Shows dependent behavior

1 1/2 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Imitates housework activities
  • Groups objects in play
  • Uses two toys together in pretend play
  • Pretends to play a musical instrument
  • Pretends to dance to music

EDUCATION

  • Attempts mechanical toys
  • Sorts objects
  • Attempts simple two to three piece puzzles
  • Turns book the correct way

LANGUAGE

  • Identifies most common objects when named
  • Understands new words at an increasingly rapid rate
  • Uses single words frequently
  • Imitates two to three word phrases
  • Uses a combination of words and jargon to tell others about experiences

DEXTERITY

  • Turns pages in a book
  • Stacks four to six cubes
  • Carries objects while walking
  • Plays with smaller pegs

LOCOMOTION

  • Walks sideways
  • Jumps up two inches
  • Sits by him/herself in a chair
  • Kicks a ball forward three feet

SOCIAL

  • Expresses affection
  • Shows jealousy
  • Engages in parallel play with peers
  • Engages in solitary play and rough & tumble play
  • Does opposite of what he/she is told

EMOTION

  • Learns autonomy vs. shame
  • Throws temper tantrums
  • Resents new baby

1 3/4 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Pretends to pour from a container
  • Puts away toys on request
  • Attempts to repair broken toys
  • Stacks and assembles toys and objects
  • Flies a toy airplane

EDUCATION

  • Scribbles within confines of a piece of paper
  • Places triangle correctly in a shape sorter
  • Remembers where objects belong
  • Turns pages one at a time

LANGUAGE

  • Follows novel and 2 step commands
  • Can select 1 item from a group of 5
  • Decodes simple syntax, not just single words
  • Uses 3 word phrases occasionally
  • Uses 50 different words
  • Begins using pronouns and referring to self by name

DEXTERITY

  • Draws a vertical line
  • Builds tower with 6 small cubes
  • Dumps, pours and fills during sand/water play

LOCOMOTION

  • Jumps forward several inches without falling
  • Walks up steps with or without support from a rail or wall

SOCIAL

  • Recognizes self in photographs
  • Expresses a variety of emotions
  • Feels frustration
  • Begins imagining

EMOTION

  • Learns autonomy vs. shame
  • Throws temper tantrums
  • Resents new baby

2 Years

2 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Elaborates single schemas with details
  • Uses most toys appropriately
  • Chooses toys selectively

EDUCATION

  • Begins to recognize letters of the alphabet
  • Points out details in books
  • Matches shapes
  • Recognizes familiar people in photos
  • Demonstrates awareness of routine

LANGUAGE

  • Increases understanding of action words
  • Points to three or more smaller body parts
  • Uses two-three word sentences frequently
  • Asks for help verbally for personal needs
  • Uses: 'to be' + ing, and posessives

DEXTERITY

  • Manipulates clay
  • Turns pages one at a time
  • Imitates horizontal lines

LOCOMOTION

  • Starts to propel self forward on a ride on toy
  • Walks down four steps using wall or rail
  • Jumps down from a 16" object
  • Runs
  • Attempts to catch a ball (playground size)

SOCIAL

  • Defends possessions (I.e. toys)
  • Demonstrates empathy
  • Displays dependent behavior
  • Says "no" but submits anyway
  • Extends relationships to other people

EMOTION

  • Is very self-centered
  • Frustrates easily
  • Is unable to choose between alternatives
  • Resists change
  • Responds better to humor than discipline

2 1/4 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Engages in parallel play with other children
  • Talks with other children during play
  • Shares toys with other children

EDUCATION

  • Attempts simple twelve piece puzzles
  • Recognizes boys and girls as different genders
  • Identifies body parts and their functions
  • Gives one out of many
  • Listens to stories

LANGUAGE

  • Identifies objects by fuction
  • Understands size (big/little) and the concept of 'one'
  • Understands location phrases
  • Uses negation ("no juice")
  • Names one color

DEXTERITY

  • Strings 2-4 1" beads
  • Snips paper with scissors
  • Removes a screw-on lid
  • Stacks 8 cubes

LOCOMOTION

  • Walks on tip toes
  • Kicks ball forward several feet

SOCIAL

  • Imitates adult activities
  • Dramatizes with dolls
  • Demonstrates peak of frustration tantrums
  • Takes pride in clothing
  • Possibly develops sudden fears

EMOTION

  • Is very self-centered
  • Frustrates easily
  • Is unable to choose between alternatives
  • Resists change
  • Responds better to humor than discipline

2 1/2 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Represents personal but infrequent experiences
  • Pretends to perform caregiver activities
  • Talks to dolls
  • Creates episodes/sequences

EDUCATION

  • Matches primary colors to each other
  • Sorts shapes
  • Completes more complex puzzles
  • Stacks rings
  • Looks at books independently
  • Understands the concept of two

LANGUAGE

  • Follows two-step unrelated commands
  • Asks "why" questions but inappropriately
  • Answers yes/no and wh- questions
  • Understands adjectives
  • Uses plurals, prepositions and states gender

DEXTERITY

  • Draws a circle
  • Strings 1/2" beads
  • Catches a playground ball by clasping it against his/her trunk

LOCOMOTION

  • Jumps forward two feet
  • Walks up stairs one step at a time without using a wall or rail

SOCIAL

  • Shows independence
  • Demonstrates extremes in emotions
  • Displays difficulty with transitions
  • Insists on sameness of routines

EMOTION

  • Is very self-centered
  • Frustrates easily
  • Is unable to choose between alternatives
  • Resists change
  • Responds better to humor than discipline

2 3/4 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Changes the outcome of familiar scenarios
  • Uses unplanned sequences
  • Engages in associative play (does similar activity as another child but with no organized goal)

EDUCATION

  • Idenitifies objects that are longer or shorter
  • Sorts colors and points to the correct color when named
  • Identifies six body parts on a doll

LANGUAGE

  • Shows interest in how and why things work
  • Follows 3 step complex commands
  • Converses in sentences & understands complex sentences
  • Uses regular past tense
  • Relates recent past experiences

DEXTERITY

  • Catches a playground ball with or without securing it against his/her trunk
  • Builds a tower with 9 small cubes

LOCOMOTION

  • Pushs and pulls large objects around obstacles
  • Jumps down from 18"

SOCIAL

  • Takes pride in achievements, resists help
  • Participates in group activities
  • Seeks approval

EMOTION

  • Is very self-centered
  • Frustrates easily
  • Is unable to choose between alternatives
  • Resists change
  • Responds better to humor than discipline

3 Years

3 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Uses one object to represent another
  • Uses symbolic toys (barn) in pretend play
  • Uses a doll/puppet to participate in play

EDUCATION

  • Completes simple interlocking puzzles
  • Begins to recognize numbers
  • Counts 1 to 3
  • Matches objects to pictures

LANGUAGE

  • Uses attributes (shape, size, color, texture, spatial relations)
  • Child talks for dolls/animals during play
  • Begins to assign desires and feelings to dolls

DEXTERITY

  • Traces a horizontal line
  • Draws a cross
  • Holds pencil with proper writing grasp

LOCOMOTION

  • Starts to run fast
  • Stands on one foot for 3 seconds

SOCIAL

  • Plays games with peers
  • Has imaginary friends

EMOTION

  • Resists change less
  • Has a stronger sense of personal identity
  • Likes to conform
  • Has a more easy going attitude
  • Is affectionate towards parents

3 1/4 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Uses blocks/sandbox for imaginative play
  • Acts out themes of observed events
  • Takes on reciprocal roles (child talks as parent of doll)
  • Child assigns roles to other children

EDUCATION

  • Understands rules of simple games
  • Thinks ahead "what if.."

LANGUAGE

  • Uses metacognitive language ("He said","I know")
  • Uses indirect requests ("mommy let's me have ___")
  • Changes speech depending on listener

DEXTERITY

  • Unbuttons several buttons
  • Cuts paper into 2 pieces
  • Copies letters
  • Draws human figures with 2 parts (head & legs)

LOCOMOTION

  • Walks forward on a 4" width line without stepping off the line
  • Stands on one foot for 5 seconds

SOCIAL

  • Understands when tasks are finished
  • Becomes curious about other children's bodies

EMOTION

  • Is less resistive to change
  • Has a stronger sense of personal identity
  • Likes to conform
  • Has a more easy going attitude
  • Is affectionate towards parents

3 1/2 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Builds 3-dimensional structures with blocks
  • Uses planned schemas/scripts

EDUCATION

  • Recognizes the concept of quantity
  • Sorts objects based on physical similarity
  • Discriminates between same and different

LANGUAGE

  • Sequences 3 pictures in the correct order
  • Remains on topic in conversation with adults/peers
  • Expands ability to tell a story

DEXTERITY

  • Traces and copies shapes
  • Catches a ball without securing it against his/her chest

LOCOMOTION

  • Becomes an agile climber
  • Hops on one foot

SOCIAL

  • Defends ownership of property verbally

EMOTION

  • Learns autonomy vs. shame
  • Learns initiative (imagines, leads & follows others) vs. guilt (fearful, remains on fringes of groups, relies unduly on adults)
  • Shows jealousy towards same-sex parent

3 3/4 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Uses multiple roles for themselves/dolls
  • Becomes interested in board games
  • Follows simple rules during games

EDUCATION

  • Learns sequencing of events
  • Counts 1 to 10 verbally

LANGUAGE

  • Hypothesizes ("what would happen if…")
  • Uses language to invent scenes in play
  • Uses modals (may, can, would…)
  • Uses conjunctions (and, but, if…)

DEXTERITY

  • Buttons and unbuttons
  • Throws ball forward consistently hitting a target
  • Snips on a line with scissors
  • Strings small beads together
  • Folds paper imitatively

LOCOMOTION

  • Climbs stairs by placing only one foot on each step at a time without support from wall or rail
  • Hops forward on one foot, then forward on the other foot
  • Stands on one foot without support

SOCIAL

  • Sits quietly for 5 minutes to hear stories

EMOTION

  • Learns autonomy vs. shame
  • Learns initiative (imagines, leads & follows others) vs. guilt (fearful, remains on fringes of groups, relies unduly on adults)
  • Shows jealousy towards same-sex parent

4 Years

4 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Uses language to set the scene
  • Integrates parts of known scenes with new ideas
  • Coordinates several scripts simulatneously
  • Engages in collaborative play with peers
  • Becomes competitive

EDUCATION

  • Plans constructive structures
  • Simple spelling and letter recognition
  • Counts 1 to 10 objects
  • Groups like objects together (food, shapes)
  • Identifies what is missing
  • Establishes one-to-one correspondence (3 napkins to 3 plates)
  • Begins to make patterns with colors, then shapes

LANGUAGE

  • Uses relational terms (first, next, then…)
  • Continues to expand ability to tell stories
  • Uses increasingly complex sentences

DEXTERITY

  • Throws a ball so it bounces once and then hits a wall
  • Catches a small ball using only his/her hands
  • Draws a square and can connect dots by drawing a line
  • Cuts out a square and a circle printed on paper
  • Grasps marker between thumb and pad of index finger
  • Draws recognizable pictures

LOCOMOTION

  • Completes a forward roll
  • Hops 3 feet on 1 foot, switches feet and hops back
  • Jumps forward 36 inches and jumps over a string held 10" high

SOCIAL

  • Conforms to group decisions
  • Cooperates with teacher
  • Takes turns in games
  • Sits for 10 minutes to hear story
  • Prefers to play with gender appropriate activities

EMOTION

  • Seems sure of himself/herself
  • Needs controlled freedom
  • Seems to be testing himself/herself
  • Demonstrates defiant behaviors at times
  • Takes pride in accomplishments

4 1/4 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Uses language to set the scene
  • Integrates parts of known scenes with new ideas
  • Coordinates several scripts simulatneously
  • Engages in collaborative play with peers
  • Becomes competitive

EDUCATION

  • Plans constructive structures
  • Simple spelling and letter recognition
  • Counts 1 to 10 objects
  • Groups like objects together (food, shapes)
  • Identifies what is missing
  • Establishes one-to-one correspondence (3 napkins to 3 plates)
  • Begins to make patterns with colors, then shapes

LANGUAGE

  • Uses relational terms (first, next, then…)
  • Continues to expand ability to tell stories
  • Uses increasingly complex sentences

DEXTERITY

  • Throws a ball so it bounces once and then hits a wall
  • Catches a small ball using only his/her hands
  • Draws a square and can connect dots by drawing a line
  • Cuts out a square and a circle printed on paper
  • Grasps marker between thumb and pad of index finger
  • Draws recognizable pictures

LOCOMOTION

  • Completes a forward roll
  • Hops 3 feet on 1 foot, switches feet and hops back
  • Jumps forward 36 inches and jumps over a string held 10" high

SOCIAL

  • Conforms to group decisions
  • Cooperates with teacher
  • Takes turns in games
  • Sits for 10 minutes to hear story
  • Prefers to play with gender appropriate activities

EMOTION

  • Seems sure of himself/herself
  • Needs controlled freedom
  • Seems to be testing himself/herself
  • Demonstrates defiant behaviors at times
  • Takes pride in accomplishments

4 1/2 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Uses language to set the scene
  • Integrates parts of known scenes with new ideas
  • Coordinates several scripts simulatneously
  • Engages in collaborative play with peers
  • Becomes competitive

EDUCATION

  • Plans constructive structures
  • Simple spelling and letter recognition
  • Counts 1 to 10 objects
  • Groups like objects together (food, shapes)
  • Identifies what is missing
  • Establishes one-to-one correspondence (3 napkins to 3 plates)
  • Begins to make patterns with colors, then shapes

LANGUAGE

  • Uses relational terms (first, next, then…)
  • Continues to expand ability to tell stories
  • Uses increasingly complex sentences

DEXTERITY

  • Throws a ball so it bounces once and then hits a wall
  • Catches a small ball using only his/her hands
  • Draws a square and can connect dots by drawing a line
  • Cuts out a square and a circle printed on paper
  • Grasps marker between thumb and pad of index finger
  • Draws recognizable pictures

LOCOMOTION

  • Completes a forward roll
  • Hops 3 feet on 1 foot, switches feet and hops back
  • Jumps forward 36 inches and jumps over a string held 10" high

SOCIAL

  • Conforms to group decisions
  • Cooperates with teacher
  • Takes turns in games
  • Sits for 10 minutes to hear story
  • Prefers to play with gender appropriate activities

EMOTION

  • Seems sure of himself/herself
  • Needs controlled freedom
  • Seems to be testing himself/herself
  • Demonstrates defiant behaviors at times
  • Takes pride in accomplishments

4 3/4 Years

IMAGINATION

  • Uses language to set the scene
  • Integrates parts of known scenes with new ideas
  • Coordinates several scripts simulatneously
  • Engages in collaborative play with peers
  • Becomes competitive

EDUCATION

  • Plans constructive structures
  • Simple spelling and letter recognition
  • Counts 1 to 10 objects
  • Groups like objects together (food, shapes)
  • Identifies what is missing
  • Establishes one-to-one correspondence (3 napkins to 3 plates)
  • Begins to make patterns with colors, then shapes

LANGUAGE

  • Uses relational terms (first, next, then…)
  • Continues to expand ability to tell stories
  • Uses increasingly complex sentences

DEXTERITY

  • Throws a ball so it bounces once and then hits a wall
  • Catches a small ball using only his/her hands
  • Draws a square and can connect dots by drawing a line
  • Cuts out a square and a circle printed on paper
  • Grasps marker between thumb and pad of index finger
  • Draws recognizable pictures

LOCOMOTION

  • Completes a forward roll
  • Hops 3 feet on 1 foot, switches feet and hops back
  • Jumps forward 36 inches and jumps over a string held 10" high

SOCIAL

  • Conforms to group decisions
  • Cooperates with teacher
  • Takes turns in games
  • Sits for 10 minutes to hear story
  • Prefers to play with gender appropriate activities

EMOTION

  • Seems sure of himself/herself
  • Needs controlled freedom
  • Seems to be testing himself/herself
  • Demonstrates defiant behaviors at times
  • Takes pride in accomplishments

5 - 8 Years

5 Years

SOCIAL AND
EMOTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

  • has a good sense of humor, and enjoys sharing jokes and laughter with adults
  • less fearful of the world than toddlers because understands the world better
  • sometimes critical of other children and embarrassed by own mistakes
  • seeks adult approval
  • can understand relationships among people and similarities and differences in other families
  • sometimes needs to get away and be alone
  • enjoys collecting things
  • understands and enjoys both giving and receiving
  • understands and respects rules - often asks permission
  • takes turns and shares (sometimes)
  • plays contentedly and independently without constant supervision
  • begins to have a very basic understanding of right and wrong
  • likes to feel grown up; boasts about self to younger, less capable children
  • prefers company of 1 or 2 children at a time; may become bossy or sulky when others join in
  • notices when another child is angry or sad - more sensitive to feelings of others
  • likes to make own decisions
  • likes to try new things and take risks
  • sometimes can be very bossy
  • uses swear words or "bathroom words" to get attention
  • often excludes other children in play - best friends only
  • carries on conversations with other children and adults
  • likes to test muscular strength and motor skills, but is not emotionally ready for competition
  • expresses anger and jealousy physically
  • can take turns and share, but doesn't always want to
  • often fears loud noises, the dark, animals, and some people
  • still confuses fantasy with reality sometimes
  • organizes other children and toys for pretend play
  • invents games with simple rules

PHYSICAL
DEVELOPMENT

  • weight: 31-57 pounds
  • height: 39-48 inches
  • requires approximately 1,700 calories daily
  • sleeps 10-11 hours at night
  • may begin to loose baby teeth
  • able to dress self with little assistance
  • Able to skip
  • throws ball overhead
  • catches bounced balls
  • Climb with confidence
  • Jump rope
  • Can jump for distances of over 2 feet
  • Can do simple gymnastics
  • rides a tricycle skillfully; may show interest in riding a bicycle with training wheels
  • balances on either foot for 5-10 seconds
  • uses a fork and knife well
  • cuts on a line with scissors
  • left or right hand dominance is established
  • jumps over low objects
  • can run, gallop, and tumble
  • can skip and run on tiptoe
  • can jump rope
  • interested in performing tricks like standing on head, performing dance steps
  • capable of learning complex body coordination skills like swimming, ice or roller skating, and riding bicycles
  • may be able to tie shoelaces
  • may be able to copy simple designs and shapes

INTELLECTUAL
DEVELOPMENT

  • understands about 13,000 words
  • uses 5-8 words in a sentence
  • likes to argue and reason; use words like "because"
  • knows basic colors like red, yellow, blue, green, orange
  • able to memorize address and phone number
  • understands that stories have a beginning, middle, and end
  • able to remember stories and repeat them
  • enjoys creating and telling stories
  • understands that books are read from left to right, top to bottom
  • enjoys riddles and jokes
  • draws pictures that represent animals, people, and objects
  • enjoys tracing or copying letters
  • can place objects in order from shortest to tallest
  • can understand and use comparative terms like big, bigger, or biggest
  • sorts objects by size
  • identifies some letters of the alphabet and a few numbers (if taught)
  • understands "more," "less," and "same"
  • counts up to 10 objects
  • recognizes categories ("These are all animals; these are all toys.")
  • understands before and after, above, and below
  • block and dramatic play is much more elaborate and complex
  • has good attention span and can concentrate well
  • is project minded - plans buildings, play scenarios, and drawings
  • interested in cause and effect
  • can understand time concepts like yesterday, today, and tomorrow

6 Years

MOTOR
DEVELOPMENT

  • Often appears less coordinated than at 5 years b/c they are constantly on the go
  • able to learn to ride a bicycle
  • can move in time with music or a beat
  • Very interested in climbing and balancing
  • Will attempt activities that exceed their capabilities

LANGUAGE &
THINKING
DEVELOPMENT

  • moving toward abstract thinking
  • develops reasoning skills
  • shifts from learning through observation and experience to learning via language and logic
  • wants it all; has difficulty making choices

SOCIAL &
EMOTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

  • grows more independent, yet feels less secure
  • craves affection from parents and teachers
  • friendships are unstable; can be unkind to peers
  • needs to win and may change rules to suit herself
  • may be hurt by criticism, blame, or punishment
  • can be rigid, demanding, and unable to adapt
  • increasingly aware that others have may have different feelings

7 Years

MOTOR
DEVELOPMENT

  • hand-eye coordination is well developed
  • has good balance
  • can execute more complicated gymnastics such as a cartwheel
  • Activities become more sport specific

LANGUAGE &
THINKING
DEVELOPMENT

  • uses a vocabulary of several thousand words
  • demonstrates a longer attention span
  • uses serious, logical thinking; is thoughtful and reflective
  • able to understand reasoning and make the right decisions
  • can tell time; knows the days, months, and seasons
  • can describe points of similarity between two objects
  • begins to grasp that letters represent the sounds that form words
  • able to solve more complex problems
  • individual learning style becomes more clear-cut

SOCIAL &
EMOTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

  • desires to be perfect and is quite self-critical
  • worries more; may have low self-confidence
  • tends to complain; has strong emotional reactions
  • understands the difference between right and wrong
  • takes direction well; needs punishment only rarely
  • avoids and withdraws from adults
  • is a better loser and less likely to place blame
  • waits for her turn in activities
  • starts to feel guilt and shame
  • Initiate discussions about right vs. wrong.
  • Provide opportunities for independent decision-making

 

 


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