Questions: “Children who are larger than their peers at age 3 year are likely to be larger at age 5 too.” Explain the meaning/reasoning of this statement. Why are boys slightly heavier than girls?

Bell Ringer: At what age do you think it is still appropriate for a child to suck his or her thumb? How could you encourage him or her to stop this behavior?

Growth and Development of 3-5 year olds

 Height increases 2 ½ to 3 inches per year.  Most children gain about 3 to 5 pounds per year  Boys tend to be slightly taller and heavier than girls during this period.

What influences Growth? Family History - Tall parents tend to have tall children. Short parents tend to have short children. Sex - Preschool boys tend to be taller than preschool girls. Boys and girls tend to have similar weights until puberty. Nutrition - Healthy food choices are necessary for child’s growth. Sleep - Preschoolers need hours of sleep a day, including naps and nighttime sleep. Health status - Chronic illness or other special needs in children can also affect growth. Children who are sick often or have special needs should be closely monitored by their doctor.

Legs also lengthen rapidly, growing straighter and firmer. Neck also becomes longer.

Teeth At 4-5, primary teeth begin to fall out. Children’s 20 primary teeth, eventually replaced with a total of 32 permanent teeth. Timing varies for permanent teeth – can appear between 5 & 8 years. Teeth usually are lost in same order as they appear. Primary Teeth: * * * * *Premolars

Thumb Sucking

Complete Skills Chart

Bellringer What 3 body maturation developments occurs during preschool years that help skills to improve?

Overall Motor Skills  Motor skills improve greatly from the ages of 3-5.  Children ages 3-5 are very energetic - - Running, jumping, climbing, somersaults  4 and 5 year-olds show improved dexterity: they can use their hands and fingers skillfully  Children need plenty of opportunities to develop their motor skills.

Three Year Olds Fine Motor Can stack blocks uneven Cuts with scissors, however may be difficult Copy a circle Unbutton and zip Gross Motor Jumps up and down in place with both feet Tries to catch a ball with arms straight Rides a tricycle Hoping on one foot Begins body rotation

Four Year Olds Fine Motor - Dresses and undresses themselves. - Cuts on line with scissors -Copies a cross -Combs Hair - Dresses and undresses themselves. - Cuts on line with scissors -Copies a cross -Combs Hair Gross Motor -Hops on one foot -Throws ball overhand -Alternates feet walking up and down stairs. -Catches ball that bounces -Uses arms to jump

Five Year Olds Fine Motor -Can draw simple pictures -Print most letters -Buttons, snaps, zips -Copies a triangle and a square -Uses a spoon and a fork well but still eats some finger foods Gross Motor -Somersaults -Skips with alternating feet -Balances on each foot for short periods -Pumps self on swing -Rhythmic hopping

Six Year Olds Fine Motor -Cuts, pastes and colors skillfully -Writes entire words -Ties shoes Gross Motor -Can ride a two wheel bike with training wheels -Jumps rope -Throws and catches ball with more ease and accuracy

Hand Preference By about 5 ½ - most children consistently used either right or left hand Dominate hand will become stronger and more skilled No known reason for hand preference By about 5 ½ - most children consistently used either right or left hand Dominate hand will become stronger and more skilled No known reason for hand preference ambidextrous- using both right and left hands with equal skill