Developmental milestones (3-5 years)

Three years

• Jumps with both feet off the floor.
• Goes up and down stairs – be careful!
• Points to her major body parts when you name them.
• Knows both her first and last name.
• Copies a circle with a crayon after seeing you make a circle first (your child’s circle may be messy but sort of looks like a circle).
• Speaks in sentences 3 to 4 words long; most can be understood by a stranger.
• Understands the idea of taking turns – although she may not like it!

Four years

• Jumps well.
• Balances on one foot for at least five seconds.
• Climbs the ladder on a slide at the park and goes down the slide – if she’s not scared.
• Catches a large ball with both arms.
• Runs very fast.
• Puts together a six-piece puzzle.
• Uses child-safe scissors well.
• Answers a simple question that requires some imagination. (“What do you like to do after dinner?” might be answered “Go to the park and play!”)
• Has unlimited language and very clear pronunciation, easily understood by a stranger.
• Follows multiple directions – if she’s in the mood! (e.g. “Go get your shoes on, then come put on your coat and we can go outside.”)
• Knows at least five basic colors.
• Plays dress up or other elaborate imagination games.
• Counts to ten.

Five years

• Hops on one foot.
• Balances well on one foot for several seconds.
• Traces a shape exactly.
• Draws a simple person.
• Recognizes a few numbers when they are presented in written form (e.g. knows that “2” is “two”).
• Undresses or dresses independently.
• Follows multiple directions accurately.