Your Five Year Old

Adult-Like Individuals

Socially and Emotionally, this child is poised and confident. He or she copies adult behavior, sounding and acting grown up. Aware of the rules, this child often defines them for others. Very social and established in their group of friends, they love to play in small groups, fantasy games or organized sports. They are less combative than at age 4 but can be sensitive to ridicule and the behaviors of others. Accepting and respecting authority, they will ask permission and feel it’s important to be right. They may become competitive with others, but love being silly and telling jokes. You may hear them say confidently, “I already know that.”

Cognitively, these children are curious about everything. Constantly seeking information, five year olds want to know the “how” and “why” for it all. They love interacting with their community: participating in ordering at restaurants, helping at the grocery store, making independent trips. Their ideas are clear and articulate, they love making large scale projects, often making a plan before they begin. Their attention span is around 12-28 minutes and they can carry over play interest for more than one day.

Physically, this child enjoys fine motor activities. They can draw with detail, people, houses, objects seen in nature. They have some ability to write letters and most numbers. There is a strong interest in counting as high as possible and have a general understanding of the jump from 29-30, 39-40… They are learning to tie their shoes and will love any sewing or kitting activities. Five year olds can skip on both feet, throw and catch a ball with accuracy.