The 4 Year Old
MOTOR SKILLS
*Hops and stands on one foot for a few seconds
*Catches a bounced ball much of the time
*Tries to write name
*Draws a face
*Tries to cut paper with blunt scissors
*Attempts to button,buckle and snap but usually needs help
*Brushes teeth with help
*Dresses and undresses doll in clothing with large zippers and snaps
*Pours from a small pitcher
*Tries to skip
*Strings large objects
*Can get himself started when on a swing and may be able to keep it going
*Begins to copy some letters
COGNITIVE SKILLS
*Recognizes some colors
*Wants to know what will happen next
*Counts up to five objects
*Distinguishes between what is real and what is imaginary
*Follows instructions with up to three commands
*Identifies situations that could lead to happiness, sadness or anger
*Can sort objects by shape or color
*Understands taking turns and may do so without being reminded
*Understands "big", "little", "short", "tall"
SOCIAL SKILLS AND LANGUAGE
*Speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand
*Has a large vocabulary and speaks in sentences of five or more words
*Tells stories
*Often prefers playing with other children
*Wants explanations of "how" and "why"
*Changes the rules of play as he goes along
*Likes to play dress up
*Shares when asked
*Separates from parent for short periods without crying
*Beginning to master some basic rules of grammer
*Likes to do things for himself
*Enjoys playing games like Tag, Hide and Seek, and Duck Duck Goose