4-year-old preschooler is energetic and imaginative. Children at this age like to tell stories, and often can’t tell the difference between fantasy and reality. They may have imaginary playmates. They like to ask questions — a lot. And they can also begin to understand time, as they inch closer to starting kindergarten.
What your child is learning now
While children may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones your child may reach in this age group:
- Uses full sentences
- Can have a conversation
- Uses direction words (in, on, and under)
- Elaborate pretend play
- Draws a person
- Dresses by self
- Knows five or more colors
- Pedals a tricycle
- Listens to whole stories
- Says full name and age
- Can match pictures to words
What your child is learning next
- Knows letters
- Sings alphabet song
- Counts six objects
- Catches a ball
- Climbs stairs without holding on
- Repeats a story
- Draws a person with at least four body parts
- Plays games with rules
- Can wait for turn
- Shares with others
- Cooperative play
What you can do to encourage your child’s development
- Read a little every day
- Point to signs and words in the neighborhood
- Sort and count
- Teach your child how to use a phone
- Set clear rules and be consistent
- Help our child learn to share
- Exercise together by jumping, running and walking
- Praise your preschooler for good behavior
Games and activities
- Board games
- Dolls with clothes
- Puzzles
- Arts and crafts
- Books
- Playdough
- Dinosaur toys
- Toys for active play, such as balls sports sets, roller skates, tricycles
