What to Expect from Preschoolers (3 to 6 years old)

The preschool years are very exciting. Kids this age are ready to explore more and do things on their own. Young preschoolers start to do more things by themselves, like getting dressed and using the bathroom. Older preschoolers can usually ride tricycles and bikes with training wheels. They also make friends and learn basic skills that help them get ready for school.

What are common things preschoolers learn to do?

Preschoolers grow a lot in many ways:

1. Moving and doing. They get much better at moving their bodies.

2. Thinking and talking. They learn to think and speak much faster.

3. Feelings. They learn to handle their emotions better.

4. Social skills. They get better at being with other people.

Around 3 years old:

Moving and doing

– Walk, run, jump, climb, and swing better

– Walk up stairs using both feet

– Use the toilet with few accidents

– Unbutton buttons

Thinking and talking

– Learn and use many new words

– Understand numbers

– Name colors and body parts

– Point to details in pictures when asked

– Use three-word sentences

Feelings

– Have strong emotions

– Use words to talk about their own and others’ feelings

– Try to comfort others

– Have trouble with feelings when tired or when things change

– Sometimes find it hard to be away from parents

Social skills

– Play pretend games

– Start to see other kids as friends

– Have trouble sharing

– Sometimes push, hit, yell, or cry during play

– Copy what others do

– Start to be a little stubborn and say “no” more often

Around 4 years old:

Moving and doing

– Throw and catch a ball

– String beads, stack blocks, and use scissors

– Balance on one foot

Thinking and talking

– Use more words

– Ask lots of questions

– Talk in full sentences

– Follow three-step instructions

Feelings

– Have strong reactions and intense feelings

– Love and hate many things

– Develop a sense of humor

– Still have some temper tantrums

– Often feel scared or worried

– Fear monsters and imaginary creatures

Social skills

– Have a favorite friend

– Play in groups

– Like to talk but not always listen

– Notice differences between self and others more

– Show more interest in differences between boys and girls

Around 5 years old:

Moving and doing

– Get dressed by themselves

– Color inside the lines and write letters

– Walk without tiptoeing, ride a bike, and skip

– Hold a pencil correctly

– Jump backward

Thinking and talking

– Plan and organize simple things

– Pretend inanimate objects are alive (like stuffed animals)

– Remember and say their phone number

– Tell stories with a beginning, middle, and end

– Understand past and future

Feelings

– Feel safe with rules and routines

– Use words to express feelings

– Show more self-control and less impulsiveness

– Become more independent

– Feel more capable

– Have ups and downs in emotions

– Say “sorry” after making mistakes

Social skills

– Have a group of friends

– Work together and follow rules

– Want adults to approve of them

– Play and talk with other children

– Sometimes disagree or oppose others

Around 6 years old:

Moving and doing

– Dress, bathe, and tie shoes by themselves

– Ride a bike without training wheels

– Write short sentences

Thinking and talking

– Use more words and talk better

– Ask what words mean

– Follow complex directions

– Understand seasons and holidays

– Know the days of the week

– Read stories out loud

Feelings

– Feel upset by criticism

– Get emotional when stressed

– Understand others’ needs and feelings more

Social skills

– Play board games

– Sometimes cheat to win games

– Have a best friend

– Enjoy going to school

– Lie to avoid getting in trouble

– Try to please teachers

– Worry about caregivers dying

Where can I get help if my child hasn't reached some milestones?

Every child grows at their own pace. Some kids learn skills faster than others. If your child is behind in one area, it might not be a problem. But if you’re worried about your child, you can:

1. Visit this website: “I worry about my child, but how do I know what is going on?” [website link]

2. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code below

3. Click this link for more information: [link]