Common Characteristics of Five-Year-Olds

Five, overall, is a time of great happiness. Life is “good,” says the five-year-old. Five is also a time of great change. During this one year, children may go from being cautious and compliant to uncertain and oppositional.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

v Early in the year, like to help, follow rules, and be “good”

v Later, may test or oppose adult authority or show uncertainty (not sure whether to be “good” or “naughty”)

v Need consistent rules and enforcement; respond well to clear and simple expectations

v Need empathetic discipline as they test limits and make mistakes

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

v See only one way to do things; rarely see other viewpoints

v Imaginative and believe toys and other objects are alive

v Think very literally (raining cats and dogs means they are falling from the sky)

v Often reverse letters and numbers

v Early in the year, like to copy and repeat activities; later, likes to try more new things

v Often think out loud before acting

v Learn best by exploring materials such as blocks, clay, finger paints, rocks, shells

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

v Better control of running, jumping and other large movements

v Need lots of physical activity; including free play

v Still awkward with writing, handcrafts and other small movements

v Early in the year, pace selves well; later, tire quickly

v Pencil grip changes from three-fingered to other grips

v Able to see close objects best; not yet able to sweep focus smoothly from left to right