Physical Development
Can
run, hop, skip and jump
Favors
one hand over the other
Has
increased poise and coordination
Begins
to lose baby teeth and acquire secondary teeth
Dresses
and undresses with little assistance (can button and zip)
Can
throw and possibly catch a ball
Ascends
stairs with alternating feet
Ideas For Parents
Provide
space and opportunities for your child to run, hop, skip, jump and
other large motor skills.
Give
your child opportunities to sort, count and match items in the
house. Let him help match socks in the laundry, count the number
of settings at the table, etc.
Help
your child learn to follow rules by playing simple games in a
small group.
Listen
to your child. Ask and answer questions. Be honest with your
child.
Be
understanding of your child's fears and anxieties. Reassure your
child's safety and give lots of comfort.
Give
your child praise for good deeds and accomplishments. Be specific
(e.g. "You did a great job putting the toys away!").
Provide
a place for your child to be alone and have privacy.
Help
your child to express feelings with "I" messages (e.g. "I feel
angry", "I feel sad", etc.).
Cognitive
Development
Has
a rapidly expanding vocabulary (approximately 2000 words)
Knows
full name, address and age
Can
order events (before and after)
Loves
to learn
Knows
basic colors
Can
repeat stories and likes to tell stories
Can
usually separate fact from fantasy
Social and
Emotional Development
Has
a basic sense of right and wrong
Cooperates
and takes turns, but doesn't always like to
Protects
younger siblings
Invents
games with simple rules
Can
be bossy
Understands
when he/she is being praised or punished
What To Expect:
Off to Kindergarten
The transition
from child care to kindergarten can be scary for children.
Entering a new school with unfamiliar faces can produce terror and
clinging in a youngster who was happy and independent in child
care.
"Separation
anxiety" is normal for children at this age, just as it is for
toddlers. Some signs of stress include changes in sleeping and
eating habits, being unusually quiet, and clinging when it is time
for you to leave. These signs normally disappear after your child
has been in school a few weeks.
Tips to Make the
Adjustment Easier
Prepare
your child for the transition - Talk to your child about the
changes that will take place.
Give
a lot of attention to your child.
Reassure
your child that learning new things and going to school is fun. Be
positive about school. Be sure your child understands there will
be friends and fun at school. Talk about your own school days.
Visit
the school before classes start so your child can see where he/she
will be going.
Listen
to your child-- Be there to answer questions and ask about the
school day. What did your child do and learn and like about school
today? Be interested. Display school work where people can see it.
Praise accomplishments.
Become
involved with parent groups at school.
Maintain
a routine schedule-- Be sure your child has a regular bedtime and
is well- rested for school. Nutritious meals, regular medical
checkups and daily physical activity will help to keep your child
healthy and ready to succeed in school.
Toys
board
games, card games
puzzles
blocks,
building sets
play
dough
scissors,
glue, paint, crayons, markers
books
dress-up
clothes and props
bicycle,
swing set
