Your early learner is now four or five years old and is officially preschool age. It is exciting times where changes happen almost daily. And if you are like most parents are concerned about milestones of growth and development. Those milestones include the ability to perform certain physical skills. According to pediatricians at healthychildren.org, a simple checklist of physical skills that preschool age children should be able to perform include:
- Climbs well
- Walks up and down stairs, alternating feet
- Kicks ball
- Runs easily
- Pedals tricycle
- Bends over without falling
It is key to remember that all children grow at different rates and can reach milestones at different times. Don’t panic if the checklist is not complete! Most early learners will reach their milestones when they are ready. What is important though is that early learners have at least an hour of activity each day to effectively develop their physical skills. Playgrounds are wonderful places for children to acquire the strength and coordination needed to perform and practice those skills. But also spending time throwing and catching a ball, riding a tricycle/bicycle in the driveway or sidewalk or even just going for a family walk are great ways to assist an early learner with developing physical skills.
If you have any questions or concerns about your early learners’ growth and development, a great place to start is with your pediatrician or the principal at your local elementary school.