Your Child's Development – 3 to 5 Years

As your child is growing, use this checklist to keep watch on his or her progress. Remember, every child is different and learns at his or her own pace.

3 Years

• Talks in three or four word sentences, not always understandable
• Recites a few nursery rhymes and/or songs
• Puts easy puzzles together
• Brushes teeth with help
• Throws a ball overhand
• Walks up steps, alternating feet
• Rides tricycle
• Pours from pitcher
• Marches
• Enjoys some group activities
• More easy-going and secure
• May have imaginary playmates
• May have achieved complete bladder control

4 Years

• Dresses self with some help
• Names his friends
• Washes and dries face and hands
• Appetite fluctuates
• Asks many questions
• Learning colors
• Enjoys playing cooperatively with other children
• Draws simple objects
• Stands on one foot
• Takes care of own toileting needs and likes privacy
• Seeks adult approval and attention
• Can be demanding and likes to test limits
• May be afraid of the dark, monsters, or other things

5 Years

• Dresses self without help
• Plays well with other children; may have special friends
• Hand dominance established
• Good control of writing tools; prints shapes and some letters
• Counts to 10 (at least) and knows colors
• Reads own name
• Follows directions well; likes to follow rules and have some responsibilities
• Eager to learn new things; boastful
• Begins to lose baby teeth
• Beginning to learn difference between fact and fiction (real and pretend)