DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AGES 3-6
BY COURTNEY AND LAUREN
Fine-motor skills
- Stacks nine or ten blocks
- Screws lids on and off containers
- Draws circles horizontal and vertical lines
Physical characteristics
- Growth in height---2 1/2 to 3 inches per year, boys slightly taller than girls
- Weight gain---4 to 5 pounds per year, boys slightly heavier than girls
- Permanent teeth--- the set of 32 lifelong teeth to replace primary teeth begin to grow
Emotional characteristics
- Learning to be cooperative and considerate
- More willing to take direction from others
- Loves to talk and talk to everyone and everything
Social characteristics
- Begin to engage in cooperative play
- Parents are not all-powerful in the child's social life
- Prefer some children over others
Gross-motor skills
- Jumps up and down in place with both feet
- Catches a ball with arms straight
- Rides a tricycle
Physical care
- Encourage children to dress themselves
- Choose good snacks that are low in fat, salt, sugar, and calories
- Praise can encourage the child to continue good hygiene habits