Developmental Milestones
Your child is four-years-old! Learn what your preschooler can do at this age.
Preschoolers develop at their own pace and each milestone shows a range of skills typically seen in children's development. Your four-year-old may not meet every milestone listed here and still be progressing normally. Since each child is unique, your preschooler’s growth might be different from what's included here. Your four-year-old might develop more quickly in some areas than in others. At the same time, if you have any concerns about your preschooler’s growth and development talk to your child's health care provider or call 1-866-693-GROW to talk to a professional and find out ways in which you can get connected to various resources in Minnesota.
Milestones
Follows three-part commands.
Understands the concept of counting and may know a few numbers.
Recalls parts of stories.
Understands the concepts of “same” and different.”
Engages in pretend/fantasy play.
Parent Strategies
Supporting your child’s exploration and learning.
Children at this age have boundless energy; take advantage of that and involve your entire family in daily walks! Nature walks are an excellent way to help him observe his surroundings, ask questions and encourage his curiosity. Give him time and attention when he asks you questions. Preschoolers learn by exploring, experimenting and repetition.
He will enjoy playing with toys such as puzzles, building blocks, beads, pretend food, coloring, cause-and-effect toys, farm animals, balls, musical instruments and board games that teach matching, counting and turn-taking. While building toys such as Lego© and Tinker Toys© develop spatial skills, art exploration encourages creativity. Toys and objects that facilitate pretend-play and role-play stimulate language development.
Equally important is outdoor play, which is crucial for developing coordination and teaching cooperative play with peers.
Encourage your child’s problem-solving skills by showing him how to look up answers to questions by using a picture dictionary and other books.
Provide lots of opportunities for him to practice turn-taking by encouraging him to wait for a toy. Teach him sharing by demonstrating how you share. Share a piece of fruit with him or take treats for other kids at your play group.
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If you have any concerns about your child's growth and development, please talk to your child's health care provider or call 1-866-693-GROW (4769) to talk to a professional and find out ways in which you can get connected to various resources in Minnesota.