American Academy of Pediatricians:

Movement

Stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer
Hops, somersaults
Swings, climbs
May be able to skip
Hand and Finger Skills
Copies triangle and other geometric patterns
Draws person with body
Prints some letters
Dresses and undresses without assistance
Uses fork, spoon and (sometimes) a table knife
Usually cares for own toilet needs
Language
Recalls part of a story
Speaks sentences of more than five words
Uses future tense
Tells longer stories
Says name and address
Cognitive Milestones
Can count 10 or more objects
Correctly names at least four colors
Better understands the concept of time
Knows about things used every day in the home (money, food, appliances)
Social
Wants to please friends
Wants to be like her friends
More likely to agree to rules
Likes to sing, dance and act
Shows more independence and may even visit a next-door neighbor by herself
Emotional Milestones
Aware of sexuality
Able to distinguish fantasy from reality
Sometimes demanding, sometimes eagerly cooperative
Developmental Health Watch
Because each child develops in her own particular manner, it's impossible to predict exactly when or how your own preschooler will perfect a given skill. The developmental milestones will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect as your child gets older, but don't be alarmed if her development takes a slightly different course. Alert your pediatrician, however, if your child displays any of the following signs of possible developmental delay for this age range.

Exhibits extremely fearful or timid behavior

Exhibits extremely aggressive behavior

Is unable to separate from parents without major protest

Is easily distracted and unable to concentrate on any single activity for more than five minutes

Shows little interest in playing with other children

Refuses to respond to people in general, or responds only superficially

Rarely uses fantasy or imitation in play

Seems unhappy or sad much of the time

Doesn't engage in a variety of activities

Avoids or seems aloof with other children and adults

Doesn't express a wide range of emotions

Has trouble eating, sleeping or using the toilet

Can't differentiate between fantasy and reality

Seems unusually passive

Cannot understand two-part commands using prepositions ("Put the cup on the table"; "Get the ball under the couch.")

Can't correctly give her first and last name

Doesn't use plurals or past tense properly when speaking

Doesn't talk about her daily activities and experiences

Cannot build a tower of six to eight blocks

Seems uncomfortable holding a crayon

Has trouble taking off clothing

Cannot brush her teeth efficiently

Cannot wash and dry her hands

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Growth and Development: 5-6 Years



Watching a young child grow is a wonderful and unique experience for a parent. Learning to sit up, walk, and talk are some of the more major developmental "milestones" complex and ongoing process. Young bodies are constantly going through a number of physical and mental changes.
Although no two children develop at the same rate, they should be able to do certain parent, you are in the best position to note your child's development, and you can use the milestones described below as guidelines.

At the ages noted, observe your child for l month. (This lets you take into account any days when your child may be acting differently because he or she is sick or upset.) Use the milestones listed for each age to see how your child is developing.

Remember a "no" answer to any of these questions does not necessarily mean that there is a problem. Every child develops at his or her own pace and may sometimes develop more slowly in certain areas than other children the same age. Keep in mind these milestones should be used only as guidelines.

Plan to talk about these guidelines with your pediatrician during your next office visit if you note the following:

major differences between your child's development and the "milestones"
your child does not yet do many of the things usually done at his or her age
5 Years

Can your child button some of his clothing or his doll's clothes? (Snaps do not count.)

Does your child react well when you leave him with a friend or sitter?

Can your child name at least three colors?

Can your child walk down stairs alternating her feet?

Can your child jump with her feet apart (broad jump)?

Can your child point while counting at least three different objects?

Can your child name a coin correctly?

6 Years

Can your child tie his shoes?

Can your child dress herself completely without help?

Can your child catch a small bouncing ball, such as a tennis ball, using only her hands? (Large balls do not count.)

Can your child copy a circle?

Can your child tell his age correctly?

Can your child repeat at least four numbers in the proper sequence?

Can your child skip with both feet?

If you have any questions, plan to discuss them with your pediatrician. Pediatricians are trained to detect and treat developmental problems in children. Many problems, if detected early, can be treated by your pediatrician and successfully managed.