Families For Life | 3-4 Years: Preschooler Development-Young Children
The Curious 4s
Your child can hop and stand on one foot for up to five seconds. Your child is able to kick a ball forward and catch a bouncing ball most of the time. Your child can also throw a ball overhand with coordination.
In addition, your child can build a tower by stacking up to 10 cubes. Your child can draw circles and squares, and draws a person consisting of two to four body parts. Your child is capable of using a scissors and starts to copy some capital letters.
At this age, your child has a vocabulary of over 1,000 words and can easily compose sentences consisting of four or five words. Your child also understands the concept of counting at this stage and may know a few numbers. Furthermore, your child is capable of following three-part commands, can recall parts of a story he or she heard, and understands the concepts of “same” and “different”.
Your child starts to argue with other children and plans games co-operatively. Your child can dress and undress with assistance and is able to attend to his or her own toilet needs.
Your child is inquisitive. This is the age of many questions. Even when answers are given, your child continues to ask “Why?” Your child is also talkative. Because of your child's increasing capacity for language, children at this age tend to speak constantly.
At the same time, your child is emotionally unpredictable. At four years old, children can and often burst into laughter and tears at the same time. There are also sudden bouts of anger, but tempers are over quickly.
Your child is lively and sociable. Your child is full of energy and life, and they enjoy being with people now. In addition, your child possesses a high motor drive. Your child's need for muscular movement drives him or her to constantly engage in activities.
Tips for Handling ‘Curious Fours’
Encourage your child to ask questions. If you do not have the answer to your child's question, find out the answer together with your child by looking it up on the Internet, in an encyclopedia, or by visiting the local library.
Promote plenty of large motor skill activities for your child. Allow your child to climb, swing, ride a bicycle and jump. However, be sure to take safety precautions.
Talk to your child and read to your child. Build your child's vocabulary skills by letting him or her take part in conversations.
In addition, give opportunities for your child to have social activities. Let him or her invite friends home for a gathering while you supervise.
Contributed by: HealthXChange