At 5, your child is getting ready for real learning. She may know her letters, and can sing the alphabet song. She can count to 10, climb stairs on her own and dress without help in the morning. Children at this age show more curiosity about the world and are able to tell the difference between what is real and what is make believe.
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:
- Knows letters
- Sings alphabet song
- Learns left from right hand
- Counts 10 objects
- Catches a ball
- Climbs stairs without holding on
- Retells a story
- Draws a person with at least four body parts
- Plays games with rules
- Waits to take turn
- Shares with others
- Engages in cooperative play
- Wants to be like friends
- Jumps rope
- Can name coins and money
- Is curious about real facts about the world
- Dresses up without any help
What you can do to encourage your child’s development
- Color, cut, paste and glue at home with supervision
- Tell stories and make up new stories
- Ask and answer “why” questions
- Point to signs and words in the neighborhood
- Teach your child how to use the phone
- Set clear rules and be consistent
- Help your child share
- Exercise together
- Turn off screens and read a book together
- Praise your preschooler for good behavior
Games and activities
- Board games
- Card games
- Dominoes and blocks
- Puppets
- Dollhouses and dolls
- Puzzles
- Arts and crafts
- Books
- Toys for active play
