4- TO 5-YEAR-OLD DEVELOPMENT: LANGUAGE AND COGNITIVE MILESTONES

Your child is growing up. Have you noticed that your 4- to 5-year-old is becoming more independent and self-confident? If not, you will in the coming year.

Most children this age begin to develop greater independence, self-control, and creativity. They are content to play with their toys for longer periods of time, are eager to try new things, and when they get frustrated, are better able to express their emotions.

- Speak clearly using more complex sentences

- Count 10 or more objects

- Correctly name at least four colors and three shapes

- Recognize some letters and possibly write their name

- Better understand the concept of time and the order of daily activities, like breakfast in the morning, lunch in the afternoon, and dinner at night Use future tense, such as, “We will go to the park soon.”

- Have a greater attention span Follow two- to three-part commands. For example, "Put your book away, brush your teeth, and then get in bed."

-Recognize familiar word signs, such as "STOP"

- Know their address and phone number, if taught Understand everyday things like food and money