FIVE YEAR OLDS

Generally, five year olds are busy, inquisitive and enjoy exploring their world.  They are happy with life and find pleasure in socializing with family and friends.  Five year olds can be competent with pre-school tasks, and may even be involved in those reading and writing skills that will require further visual and fine muscle development.  They have growing vocabularies and can practice their language skills to communicate and socialize.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

• Promote healthy development with your affection, caring, and ability to "let go" at the right times. Five year olds can often be heard saying, "I can do it myself!"  This helps build self-esteem and confidence in your child.
• Learning to be a friend is important for a child.  Sharing, caring and cooperation take practice.
• Provide opportunities for your child to invite a school friend over to play.
• Practice tying sneakers and shoes.  A mark on all right shoes will help determine "which foot".
• Practice using buttons and zippers.  Difficulty with them will only frustrate the child.
• Label your child's belongings to help identify his/her things as well as teach respect for other children's property.
• Help your child understand that learning takes time.  All teachers and children are different and there is no magic time for learning.  Children learn at their own pace.