Speech, Swallowing, & Voice Specialists of Hawaii
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4-6 YEARS OLD
Social/Emotional & Cognitive Milestones
Typical milestones during this age range
Social/Emotional
Enjoys doing new things
Plays “Mom” and “Dad”
Is more and more creative with make-believe play
Would rather play with other children than alone
Cooperates with other children
Often can’t tell what’s real and what’s make-believe (until closer to 5 years old)
Talks about what he/she likes and is interested in
Can have simple conversation
Takes turns with peers
Willing to share toys
Interested in exploring/playing in new social situations
Able to play with one toy or theme for 15 minute time periods
Is able to transition to a new environment/activity
Able to cope with unexpected change
Wants to please friends
Wants to be like friends
More likely to agree with rules
Likes to sing, dance, and act
Shows more independence
Is sometimes demanding and sometimes very cooperative
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(At 6+years old)
Not overly controlling of daily tasks such as dressing and mealtimes
Cognitive
Names some colors and some numbers
Understands the idea of counting
Asks questions for clarification
Starts to understand time
Remembers parts of a story
Understands the ideas of “same” and “different”
Draws a person with 2 to 4 body parts
Uses scissors
Starts to copy some capital
letters
Plays board or card games
Tells you what he/she thinks is going to happen next in a book
Able to complete everyday tasks that have multiple steps, such as dressing
Frequently wakes up rested and ready for a new day
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(Closer to 5-6 yrs old)
Counts 10 or more things
Can draw a person with at least 6 body parts
Can print some letters
or numbers
Copies a triangle and other geometric shapes
Knows about things used every day, like money and food
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(At 6+years old)
Able to follow multiple step directions when motivated
Can organize self and day to accomplish age appropriate tasks independently
Can pay attention in a busy environment such as a classroom
Our sensory and motor skills play a big role in how we mature socially, emotionally, and cognitively. For this reason, some motor and sensory milestones for this age group are also listed below as they are intricately entangled in your child's social/emotional and cognitive development.
Motor
Hops and stands on one foot up to 2-10 seconds (10 seconds closer to 5)
Catches a bounced ball most of the time
Pours, cuts with supervision, and mashes own food
May be able to skip
Can do a somersault
Uses a fork and spoon
Can use the toilet independently
Swings and climbs
Sensory
Able to sit and pay attention
Mostly comfortable with change
Participates in crafts/activities that involve wet textures (i.e.; glue)
Usually does not bring non-food objects to mouth
Able to take a bath or shower, although preference may be present
Enjoys participating in loud fun settings, such as birthday parties
Able to pay attention and is not distracted by sounds not noticed by others