Child writing letters.

Navigating the enchanting world of a 4-year-old's development is a journey filled with discovery and growth. This developmental checklist is designed to guide you through the milestones and potential considerations in your child's expansive journey from 48 to 60 months.

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This checklist is the foundation of the ABCJesusLovesMe 4 Year Curriculum and serves as a roadmap for understanding how a child typically develops during these crucial months. Whether you're a dedicated teacher or a caring parent, this comprehensive overview explores key developmental areas. Utilize this tool and should any questions arise, seek professional guidance for a deeper understanding of the child's unique developmental path.

Scroll down to print a free printable checklist.


Physical Development for a 4-year-old

  • walks backward toe-heel
  • jumps forward 10 times without falling
  • walks up and down stairs, alternating feet, without support
  • turns somersaults
  • moves forward and backward with agility
  • catches bounced ball most of the time
  • hops and stands on one foot up to 10 seconds
  • catches a ball in hands only
  • begins to skip

Drawing & Cutting of a 4-year-old

  • continuously cuts on line
  • copies triangle and other geometric patterns
  • prints and copies some capital letters
  • draws a person with 2-4 body parts
  • prints some letters

Personal Care of a 4-year-old

  • dresses and undresses independently
  • uses zippers, buttons, and snaps
  • uses fork and spoon
  • cares for own toilet needs
  • brushes teeth

Speech Development of a 4-year-old

  • •100% understandable by strangers
  • uses past, present, and future tense
  • vocabulary of about 1500 words
  • has mastered some basic rules of grammar
  • speaks in sentences of 5-6 words
  • tells longer stories

Sensory and Thinking Skills of a 4-year-old

  • approaches problems from a single point of view
  • begins to have a clearer sense of time
  • follows 3-part commands
  • interested in new experiences
  • cooperates with other children, wants to please
  • plays "Mom" or "Dad"
  • increasingly inventive in fantasy play
  • more independent

Cognitive Development of a 4-year-old

  • count 10 or more objects
  • correctly names basic colors
  • tells what comes next in well-known story
  • understand “same” and “different”
  • plays board or card games

Be Watchful for...

Because each child develops in his own particular manner, it's impossible to tell exactly when or how he'll perfect a given skill. The developmental milestones will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect as your child gets older, but don't be alarmed if his development takes a slightly different course. Alert your pediatrician, however, if your child displays any of the following signs of possible developmental delay for this age range.

  • cannot throw a ball overhand
  • unable to jump in place
  • cannot ride a tricycle
  • unable to grasp crayon between thumb and fingers
  • cannot stack 4 blocks
  • clings or cries whenever parents leave
  • shows no interest in interactive games
  • doesn’t express wide range of emotions
  • doesn't respond to people outside the family
  • doesn't engage in fantasy play
  • resists dressing, sleeping, using the toilet
  • lashes out without self-control when angry or upset
  • avoids or seems aloof with children and adults
  • doesn't use sentences of more than 3 words
  • unable to use "me" and "you" appropriately

4 Year Development Checklist


FREE 4 Year Development Checklist

Grab your free 4-Year Development Checklist now! Stay proactive in monitoring your child's development. 

Always consult with a professional with any concerns.

 

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References

This article information is pulled from the following sources as well as many years of training. This information is provided as a guide only.  Because every child is different consult your pediatrician as this list is a generalization.

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