Your Five Year Old - Development Guide

OCIAL BEHAVIOR

Self

• needs approval; does not like “getting in trouble” with adults
• is very confident
• is dependable

Family

• feels secure and safe with family
• receives idea of how males and females act from parents

Others

• shows a likeness for children of his own age and sex
• is protective and mothering toward younger brothers and sisters
• enjoys playing and sharing with a friend
• faces new responsibilities when entering school; admires teacher; is eager to learn
• may have an imaginary companion

DEVELOPMENT

Physical

• can handle self well with bathroom tasks
• eats well; handles utensils well
• coordinates movement to music
• dresses self ; can tie shoes
• jumps rope, walks in a straight line, rides a two-wheel bike. Physical skills are important with friends
• can draw some geometric shapes and figures (triangles, squares, circles)
• can cut and paste but has less difficulty with staying in the lines when coloring or cutting

Emotional and Social

• tends to be obedient, cooperative; desires to please
• friendly; begins to feel for others
• spends more time on projects (painting, building)
• brags about things he or she can do
• tends to get into more arguments more often but for a shorter amount of time
• expresses feelings freely
• likes projects; prefers a small group; can play alone; chooses who and what he or she will play with

Language

• speaks in full sentences
• still may have trouble pronouncing a few words or letter combinations correctly