Child Development
Age 3 to 4
" What to expect from your 3 to 4 year old "

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>> Age 5 to 6

Age 3 to 4

• Uses more than 50 single words, with the vocabulary increasing at a rate that is hard to follow. Vocabulary will usually increase to several hundred years by age 4.

• Uses sentences with 5 or more words

• Starts to use present tense of words by adding “s” (she runs, etc.)

• Uses pronouns

• Understand concepts such as less and more, small and big, etc.

• Begins to understand cause and effect, such as, “If you push the cup off of the table, it will spill on the floor”.

• Most words and sentence are understood by others

• Comprehends most other speech

• Can describe how objects are used

• Socializes with others well

• Develops friendships independent of you, such as new friends at preschool

• Socializes with other well

• Enjoys playing with other children

• Expresses a wide range of emotions

• Uses a pedal tricycle

• Likes pretend playing

• May hold a pen, pencil or crayon the correct way

• Likes to draw and paint simple shapes and model shapes with play dough

• Alternate his or her feet when walking up and down the stairs

• Walks backwards and sideways

• Can balance on each foot for a second or two

• Can carry and maneuver larger heavier objects and toys

• Likes to climb obstacles and climbing frames

• Like to dress and undress self

• Uses a spoon and fork

• Brushes his or her own teeth without help

• May master toilet training

• Uses an adult toilet without training seat

• Boys start to stand at toilet instead of sit

• May stay dry most nights

<< Age 2 to 3

>> Age 5 to 6