Developmental Stages: Ages 3-5 Years

Ages at which children usually develop specific skills (4-5 years)

By 4 years a child usually can:

• correctly articulate the p,b,m,n,h and w sounds
• copy a cross
• point and name four to six colors
• do a forward somersault
• tell someone about a recent experience and include details
• tell his or her first and last name
• cut with a scissors
• bounce and catch a rubber ball
• understand and answer "who", "when", and "why" questions
• follow a two-step direction
• hop on one foot
• help clean up spills
• draw a person with two to six recognizable parts
• generally be independent with dressing except for tying shoes and buckling belts
• match a sequence of blocks or beads
• play and interact with other children

• follow a three-step direction
• kick a rolling ball
• be interested in writing his/her name (copy first name)
• follow unfamiliar directions
• catch a ball with both hands
• feed self well using spoon and fork
• count rote to ten
• name some letters and numbers
• comb hair with assistance
• walk on a balance beam
• cut out simple shapes
• know the difference between "more" and "less"
• choose a special friend
• play simple table games