By the time a child turns four, they are smooth-talking, agile, and observant seekers of adventure. They are kind of know-it-alls—as in they want to know it all. They have more questions than you have answers, and they should be challenged.
What Can You Expect from Your Child?
Pretending to play "mom" and "dad"
Cooperating with other children
Talking about their likes and interests
Telling and retelling stories that are familiar to them
Saying their first and last name
Singing a song or reciting a poem from memory, such as “The Wheels on the Bus”
Drawing a person with 2-4 body parts (head, body, arms or legs)
Using scissors. Your child may not use them correctly, but they understand that the scissors need to open and close in order to cut something.
Understanding the idea of counting and can count to 10
Hopping or standing on one foot for up to two seconds
Catching a bounced ball most of the time
Pouring, cutting (with supervision), and mashing their own food
Caring for their own toileting (going to the restroom, wiping, and washing hands)
What Can You Do to Help Your Child Learn and Grow?
Acknowledge your child's feelings, but be firm in the rules you set.
Reinforce positive actions and interactions, such as playing nicely with a friend.
Encourage new words and pronunciations through play.
Practice numbers and letters, such as teaching them a poem to recite.
Encourage play with other children.
Avoid labeling your child, such as shy or aggressive, especially in front of them. You do not want them to feel as though their actions are wrong and make them a bad person.
Allow your child to learn self-help skills, such as serving their own food and drinks and feeding themselves.
Model appropriate behaviors through pretend play.