The development of a five-year-old is a highly dynamic stage, marked by numerous changes and achievements in various areas: physical, emotional, social, and intellectual. At this age, children go through an essential preparatory phase for school education. So, what can we expect from a five-year-old, and how can we support their development?
Physical development – motor skills and coordination
A five-year-old should have well-developed motor coordination and physical agility. At this age, children:
- can run, jump, and climb,
- manage simple balance exercises, such as walking along a line,
- can throw and catch a ball,
- are increasingly adept at handling small objects, such as holding crayons or scissors and using them with precision.
To support physical development, it is worth providing a variety of physical activities, such as outdoor play, sports classes, or gymnastics exercises.
Emotional and social development
By the age of five, children begin to understand and express their emotions better. They should be able to:
- name basic emotions, such as joy, sadness, anger, and fear,
- cope with short separations from parents,
- cooperate with peers during group play,
- share toys and wait for their turn.
Parents and caregivers can support emotional development by talking to the child about their feelings and teaching empathy. Reading therapeutic stories together is also an effective way to develop social skills.
Intellectual skills
Five-year-olds are highly curious about the world and eager to learn new things. At this age, children:
- can recognize letters and numbers,
- can count to 10 or even beyond,
- solve simple puzzles and build structures from blocks,
- focus on a task for several minutes.
These skills can be enhanced through educational games, logic puzzles, and reading books. Drawing, coloring, and simple manual tasks also support intellectual development.
Independence in daily activities
An important aspect of a five-year-old's development is gaining independence. Children at this age should be able to:
- dress and undress without much help,
- use the toilet independently,
- brush their teeth and wash their hands,
- help with simple household chores, such as tidying up toys or setting the table.
Parents can encourage independence by giving the child opportunities to try new things and praising their progress.
How to support a five-year-old’s development?
Every child develops at their own pace, but it is crucial to create the right conditions for learning and play. Key actions include:
- providing a safe environment filled with educational stimuli,
- having regular conversations and answering the child’s questions,
- organizing playdates with peers,
- introducing diverse activities that nurture all areas of development.
A five-year-old is a bundle of energy and curiosity, gaining vital skills for daily life and future education. Parental support and appropriate environmental stimuli help the child develop harmoniously, gaining new competencies and self-confidence.
