Four-year-olds are energetic and imaginative. They learn new words quickly and will use them!
Common milestones:
- Climbs and jumps
- Does self-care such as feeding self, brushing teeth, and unbuttoning clothing
- Asks and answers who, what, when, where, and why questions
- Continues an activity for 10-15 minutes
- Recognizes some letters and words
- Speaks fairly complex sentences such as "The baby ate the cookie before I could put it on the table."
- Likes to talk and sing simple songs
- Enjoys showing off
- Likes taking turns and sharing but may get bossy
From Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Four-year-olds have a strong need to feel important and appreciated — so notice their accomplishments!
- Set up opportunities for children to do routine activities independently and to make choices.
- Encourage physical development by including gross motor activities daily in your plans.
- Read aloud every day and encourage your child to help in retelling the story.
From Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
A five-year-old is enthusiastic and energetic. Fives enjoy planning and discussing who will do what. A "best friend" is very important but hard to keep as social skills are not well developed yet.
Common milestones:
- Loses baby teeth
- Uses a fork and spoon well
- Has a stronger memory with ability to memorize address and favorite stories
- Has expanding vocabulary
- Plays board games and card games and with blocks and puzzles (12-15 pieces)
- Enjoys telling stories and jokes
- Understands and respects rules — often asks permission
- Likes to try new things
From Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Ideas to encourage a five-year-old's development:
- Ask "what if" questions and explain why and how things happen.
- Ask your child to tell a story.
- Have play dates with other children and teach your child how to negotiate, request, bargain, and apologize.
- Help children understand and cope with strong feelings by giving them words to use when they are angry.
- Involve children in writing notes, letters, and cards.