Milestones of Physical Development in the Preschool Years

Preschool children are still learning to move their bodies in many different ways.

Although children experience many milestones in their first two years of life, they will still accomplish many more physical milestones during their preschool years. Be on the lookout for these milestones and be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child's development with his doctor. Remember that all children develop at their own rate and may not meet these milestones at the same time as their similar-age peers.

Age Three

By age three, most preschoolers will be able to walk up and down stairs using alternating feet. Outdoors, 3-year-olds may practice kicking a ball, climbing on play equipment and pedaling a tricycle. Some fine motor skills a 3-year-old should be to demonstrate include stacking a tower of nine or more blocks and turning the pages in a book one at time. Some 3-year-olds may also be able to manipulate small toys, such as a pegs on a pegboard or Legos.

Age Four

By the time a preschooler reaches the age of 4, his physical body has begun to develop a more mature appearance, with longer limbs and trunk. Some physical milestones he may experience this year include balancing on one foot for at least five seconds and throwing a ball overhand. You may notice that your 4-year-old will be able to catch a bounced ball more often than not and is now able to successfully kick a ball forward. Some small muscle development milestones for 4-year-olds include beginning to master the use of scissors and manipulating zippers and large buttons on clothing.

Age Five

As your 4-year-old approaches and then reaches his fifth birthday, his appearance may change slightly as he begins to stretch out, and his legs may seem out of proportion length-wise in relation to his trunk. By age 5, most preschoolers will be able to balance on one foot for at least ten seconds, hop on one foot for several seconds and begin to learn to swing. They may also be practicing some gymnastic skills, such as somersaults. They have mastered the staircase and may be learning to ride a bicycle or swim. Some fine motor skills they will master this year include cutting shapes, learning a mature pencil grasp and performing self-care tasks such as tooth-brushing and hair-brushing.

Special Considerations

Remember that all children are different and will develop at their own rate. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's development, contact your child's doctor. As children reach their preschool years, their physical growth slows a bit, averaging a total of eight inches between the ages of 3 and 6. Compare this to a growth of 18 inches between the ages of 0 and 3. Because of this slower growth, preschoolers' appetites may change, and they may seem to eat less. Keep in mind that children are responding appropriately to their body's cues and may simply not be as hungry as were during their toddler years. Keep a variety of healthy snacks in your home and discuss any growth or nutrition concerns with your child's doctor.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Child Development Chart
• "Understanding Children"; Judith A. Schickedanz; 1997