Five-year-old language and cognitive milestones

• Language skills: Children speak clearly and use full sentences of five or more words. They can tell stories, ask questions, describe recent events, and understand and use humor.

• Following instructions: Children understand and follow multiple-step instructions. They have an increased attention span and good listening skills.

• Basic literacy skills: Children recognize familiar letters, begin reading familiar words, and identify sounds in words. They can write letters and their name.

• Problem-solving: Children can count to 20 or more, solve simple addition and subtraction problems with objects, and sort objects by category.

• Understanding time and sequences: Children understand the concept of time and the order of events.

Five-year-old physical milestones

• Gross motor skills: Children can jump, hop on one foot, skip, ride a bike, and use playground equipment independently.

• Fine motor skills: Children can write, draw, and cut with pencils, crayons, and scissors.

• Hand-eye coordination: Children have improved hand-eye coordination for greater accuracy in activities like throwing and catching balls.

• Increased strength and stamina: Children can engage in active play for extended periods and demonstrate improved balance skills.

• Self-care abilities: Children can dress, manage bathroom needs independently, and tie shoes.

Five-year-old emotional and social milestones

• Form friendships

• Learn to share and take turns with other children

• Recognize and respond to others’ feelings

• Offer comfort to others

• Seek independence

• Complete tasks independently

• Understand and respect rules

• Develop a sense of fairness

• Express emotions but still requires guidance in managing intense feelings

How to encourage milestone progression

• Engage in conversations

• Ask open-ended questions

• Read together

• Introduce new vocabulary

• Play games that involve following instructions or identifying letters and sounds

• Encourage active play like running, jumping, and ball games

• Do arts and crafts

• Role-play different scenarios

• Encourage cooperative games

• Plan playdates with other children

• Help your child articulate their feelings

• Model conflict resolution

Roadblocks

• New routines

• New social settings

• New environments

• Starting school

• Separation anxiety

• Over-scheduling activities

• Inconsistent routines

How to teach your 5-year-old about safety

• Teach them never to go anywhere with strangers.

• Show them how to seek help from trusted adults if they feel unsafe (police officers, other parents, security guards)

• Help them understand safe and appropriate touches and encourage open communication if they feel uncomfortable

• Teach basic safety rules like not running into the street, using playground equipment carefully, and always wearing a helmet while riding a bike

• Ensure they know their full name and address

• Teach them how to dial 911 in emergencies