AGE 4

Preschooler Development

Social

Be interested in new experiencesTake turns and share with other children in small

group activitiesPlay near and talk to other children while

continuing with own activityPlay “mom” or “dad”Engage in increasingly inventive fantasy playLook for adult approval (“Watch me.” or “Look

what I did”)Be more independentForm first friendships

Emotional

Try to comfort someone who is upsetUse words to communicate empathic feelingsPersevere longer on a difficult taskShow improvement in emotional self-

regulation (e.g., controlling expression of emotions); decline in emotional outbursts

Language

Understand the concepts of “same” and “different”Master some basic rules of grammarMatches some letters with their sound (e.g., letter T

says “tuh”)Speak in sentences of five to six wordsSpeak clearly enough for strangers to understandSay rhymes (e.g. cat-bat-hat) or sing children’s songsAsk and answer a lot of questions (e.g., Why, What

are you doing?)Tell stories with a clear beginning, middle and end

Cognitive (Thinking ability)

Correctly name some colours and numbersCount correctly to determine quantities of

more than 10Understand three-part related directions and

longer sentences (e.g., “Put your toys away and wash your hands before lunch”)

Approach problems from a single point of view

Recall parts of a storyUnderstand the concept of same/different

Gross Motor

Stand on one foot up to five secondsGo up and down stairs alternating feet (e.g.,

with one foot on each step)Kick ball forwardThrow ball overhandCatch a large ball with outstretched armsUse the toilet/or potty during the day (e.g.,

toilet trained)

Fine Motor

Hold a crayon or pencil correctlyDraw a person with three or more body partsSnip paper with scissorsDraw circles, squares, crossesBegin to copy some capital lettersUndo buttons and zippersDress or undress but may need help with

closuresTwiddle thumbsManipulate and shape clay

Nutrition

Request favourite foodsMay want favourite food at most mealsEat a variety of foods Prefer foods plain and not mixed together

Feeding

Use a fork at mealtimesSelf-feed well using fingers, spoon or forkFinish most meals