Your Child’s Progress - Year 4
What’s Going on with Your Four-Year-Old?
Your Preschooler's Development
- Developmentally your child can put objects in a line from smallest to largest.
- They will be able to recognize some letters if they are taught and could possibly print their own names.
- They are going to be able to recognize some familiar words in some simple books or on signs, such as a stop sign.
- Your child should be able to count off objects from 1 to seven, but not always in order.
- Understanding routines and schedules will also become easier. For example, they will understand that breakfast comes before lunch, lunch before dinner and other simple routines.
- Your child will also be very inquisitive, even asking questions about birth and death. They will able to sing simple songs or rhymes and will enjoy the activity.
- Your child will have a basic understanding of concepts related to number, size, weight, colors, textures, distance, position and time.
- At this age your child will enjoy playing with other children.
- They will seek your approval for their activities and will be able to understand and obey simple rules. As they question their surroundings more, they will constantly ask you "why?"
- Your child will have a very active imagination and will begin to pretend a great deal.
- Children this age will love to tell jokes, even ones that adults may not understand. This is an age of imagination and creativity.
- Four-year-olds also begin to show more self-confidence and will want to explore more than when they were three. Keep a close eye out for dangers as children do not always know that they could be hurt.
Nutrition and Your Preschooler
- Give your child a variety of healthy foods.
- Feed your children meals and snacks at regular times.
- Get your child in the habit of brushing their teeth before and after meals or at least have them rinse their mouths with water.
- Buy hot dogs and lunch meats that are low in fat.
- Freeze juice in trays with Popsicle sticks for healthier frozen treats.
This page last updated on 3/17/08.