The  AppleTree

5 - 6 year olds notice a lot about being a boy or being a girl. Boys and girls often play separately. They enjoy playing together rather than playing by themselves. They will often ask for permission before they do something as they are starting to learn about rules and right and wrong. ‘Can I?’ is often heard. They ask serious questions and want to be taken seriously. They are mostly independent in dressing and eating but may still have some difficulty cutting with a knife. Your child will become very good at sorting things by colour, shape and size. They draw a person with a head, body, arms, legs and features such as eyes, nose and mouth. They can draw a house with doors, windows and a roof. 5 – 6 year olds can copy letters and write some from memory. By 5 years it is usually clear whether your child is right or left handed.

 

5 - 6 year olds are often confident and proud of their physical skills. In their enthusiasm they can easily misjudge themselves and falls are common. Your 5 - 6 year old enjoys being active and is good at climbing, sliding, swinging and dancing. Skipping is a new skill that your child is learning. Most children of this age can stand on one foot for a short time. They can hop forwards on each foot separately. They have good control in drawing and can colour within the lines. 5 – 6 year olds speak clearly and can have a conversation with you about everyday subjects. If taught, they can say their name, address, age and birthday. They ask the meaning of words and can describe something by the way it is used. They are able to tell stories and give a short talk to children at school, eg. in ‘Show and tell’. They enjoy listening to stories and reciting rhymes and songs. They love jokes and riddles.

 

All children grow and develop at their own pace. Don’t worry if your child has not reached all of the age appropriate milestones at this time. You should notice a gradual progression in growth and development as your child gets older. If you don’t, or if your child has signs of possible development delay, speak to your child’s teacher or doctor.