Motor Development

• Wants to practice balancing by hopping and standing on one foot
• May walk up and down stairs alternating feet
• Can learn how to throw a ball overhand
• Constructs houses, garages and towers out of boxes

Language Development

• Uses more complex sentences. May have a vocabulary of about 1500-2000 words. Ask your child what, where, and how questions to encourage language development
• Asks an endless stream of questions - simple answers are best
• Enjoys talking to other children and using words to make friends
• Loves to listen to a wide variety of books. Read to your child from magazines, picture books and short chapter books
• When engaging in imaginative play, your 4-year old may "write" lists or take orders. This writing scribble will look different from your child's other types of drawings. He is developing an understanding that writing conveys a message
• Enjoys re-telling known stories 

Intellectual Development

• Becomes more sophisticated in using descriptive words such as rough/smooth, wide/narrow, and high/low
• Has the ability to organize "like" objects into groups
• Experiments with comparing qualities about objects. For example, he can organize a group of cups or containers from small to big
• Tells you a story with the correct sequence of events
• Still loves predictable routine
• Starting to anticipate special occasions such as Christmas and birthdays
• Understands the idea that the letters in books are used to tell a story - not just the pictures

Social and Emotional Development

• Shows a desire to organize activities without a grown-up's input
• Can share and take turns a bit easier
• Loves to be a part of social situations. Will wish to be with children rather than grown ups
• May be bossy
• Will still experience big mood swings
• Separates from mom and dad more easily
• Expresses a desire to do more for herself. Give choices with clothes, meals and activities (a choice between 2 things is enough)
• Has an awareness about rules, fair and unfair
• Learns about how other people feel by engaging in role playing  

Related Tips

• Activities to do with your 4 year old
• Here are a few activities for you to share with your four year old.
• more

• Sibling rivalry (ages 2 - 4)
• Are fighting siblings wearing you down? Here are some top tips for a more peaceful home.
• more

• Starting day care
• Starting daycare is a big step for both you and your child. Below are some tips to help your child ease into this new situation.
• more

• Toys for preschoolers
• Toys, toys, glorious toys! What to choose is always a challenge as your child is constantly growing and changing.
• more