Year Five Developmental Milestones
By age five, your child is stepping into the world with growing confidence and curiosity. Their personality is blooming, their imagination is vivid, and their desire for independence is stronger than ever. This stage is about refining everything they’ve been working on: language, movement, self-control, and problem-solving.
At five, children begin to think more deeply, engage in real conversations, and take pride in their abilities. Whether it’s through play, storytelling, or tackling daily tasks, they’re showing you just how far they’ve come.
At 4–5 Years Old: Growing Into Their Own
Your child is starting to feel more like their own person—with thoughts, feelings, and opinions they love to share. Here are key developmental milestones you may notice during this time:
Language and Communication
- Can tell their own made up story with at least two connected events—like a dog getting lost and its owner finding it–by age five
- Maintains longer conversations, with three or more exchanges
- Recognizes and uses simple rhymes like cat-hat
Cognitive Development
- Can count to 10 by age five
- Begins to understand words about time, like “morning,” or “night”
- Recognizes some letters and numbers, especially from their name
- Follows multi-step directions
- Has a growing attention span, up to 5-10 minutes
Social and Emotional Skills
- Plays cooperatively and understands basic rules
- Enjoys performing for others (singing, dancing, pretending)
- Completes simple household tasks and routines
Motor Skills
- Can hop on one foot
- Can button some buttons on clothing
Everyday Activities to Support Development
You can help your five-year-old continue to thrive by encouraging activities that challenge their thinking, spark their creativity, and build independence:
- Storytelling and Conversations: Let your child retell favorite books or invent their own stories. Ask open-ended questions to build comprehension and imagination.
- Problem-Solving Games: Try puzzles, scavenger hunts with clues, or sorting games. Let them choose outfits or plan what to bring on an outing to build decision-making skills.
- Social Play and Role-Playing: Set up pretend games like running a restaurant or going to the doctor. These build empathy, cooperation, and emotional expression.
- Active Play: Go on nature walks, play tag, or try hopscotch. Practice physical skills like hopping on one foot or climbing at the playground.
- Creative Expression: Offer art supplies for open-ended crafts. Encourage dancing, singing, or acting out stories. Play music and let them explore instruments or rhythms. Encourage fine motor tasks like stringing beads, cutting shapes, or drawing people with more detail.
- Life Skills Practice: Involve them in chores like making the bed or sorting laundry. Let them spread peanut butter, pour drinks, or peel fruit to build independence and healthy habits.
Is Your Child Meeting These Milestones?
If your child is struggling with movement, speech, or social interactions, early support can be incredibly beneficial. Signs that your child may need additional guidance include:
- Difficulty understanding instructions or expressing themselves clearly
- Trouble following routines or interacting with peers
- Delays in physical tasks like hopping, drawing, or using utensils
If you notice any of these signs, start by observing their play and interactions. Keep track of behaviors that seem delayed and talk to your pediatrician about your observations. Early support can make a big difference. Don’t wait to reach out for guidance if you have concerns about your child’s development.
Looking Ahead: The Transition to Kindergarten
Your child is almost ready for kindergarten—an exciting and big step forward. By now, they’ve built a strong foundation, and with continued support, they’ll enter this next phase feeling confident and capable.
Every child develops at their own pace, so it’s okay if some milestones come later than others. The most important thing is nurturing their curiosity, encouraging their independence, and recognizing how far they’ve come. Celebrate this time in their lives, and yours—your child is ready for what’s next.
How Tender Ones Therapy Services Can Help
If you’re unsure if your child is meeting expected milestones appropriately, or if you have any questions, partner with TOTS for your child’s best start! You can schedule your free screening online, call 770-904-6009 or fill out our contact form to begin your child’s journey to success.