4-6 YEAR OLDS

FINE MOTOR SKILLS

• This stage in a child's life is important in them gaining the ability to write.
• 4 year olds begin learning by tracing letters while 6 year olds are capable of writing full sentences.

GROSS MOTOR SKILLS

• Children are very energetic at these ages.
• 4 year olds can gallop and hop while 6 year olds can throw and catch a ball and ride a bicycle.

THUMBSUCKING

• Young children use thumbsucking as a way to comfort themselves.
• Forcing a child to stop can be more stressful than letting a child stop on their own. If there it becomes a concern the parent can check with the child's dentist.

NUTRITION

• Proper nutrition is vital for children's growth and development.
• Caregivers should take advantage of the child's curiosity and introduce them to new vegetables.

TEETH

• At this stage children's first permanent teeth begin to develop it is important to teach the child proper hygiene and brushing to prevent cavities.

SCHOOL READINESS

• 4 year olds are learning their independence as they start regularly going to school. This is a time when children become more boastful and bossy.
• 6 year olds are faced with finding themselves outside of the home when they are put in school all day. They are easily discouraged and crave praise.

EMOTIONS

• Anger and frustration are common emotions in children these ages.
• As their anger begins to last longer 4 year olds will deal with it by physically fighting. 6 year olds are more hurtful with words & making fun of others.

SOCIAL PATTERNS

• As children reach preschool age they learn to socialize with other children.
• These children begin forming friendships through cooperative play and often look to adults for reassurance.

HOW TO HELP LEARNING

• It is important for adults to help teach children things such as moral behavior.
• They can do this by showing love despite mistakes, discussing child's mistakes in private.

PIAGET'S PREOPERATIONAL STAGE

• Piaget named the ages between 2 and 7 as the preoperational stage.
• Children in this stage have an egocentric viewpoint and limited focus.