The Preschooler Ages 4 – 6 Physical, Social, Emotional, Intellectual and Moral Development

The Five Areas of Development Physical: the biological, psychological, and bodily changes that occur in human beings. Intellectual (cognitive): construction of thought process, including remembering, problem solving, language and decision-making, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood Emotional: the process of learning to recognize and express feelings and to establish a personal identity. Social: the process of learning how to interact and express oneself with others. Moral: the process of learning to base one’s behavior on beliefs about what is right and wrong.

Physical Fine and gross motor skills dramatically improve! See hand preference Example: Age 4 – copies a circle and cross Age 5 – copies a triangle and a square Age 6 – writes entire words Fine or Gross skill?

Physical Another example: Age 4 – alternates feet walking up stairs – HUGE! Age 5 – Skips with alternating feet Age 6 - Jumps rope and rides a two wheeler Fine or Gross?

Social and Emotional Still desire independence! Self-centered, defiant, impatient, loud, boastful, loving, affectionate – aren’t we all? Anger – –4s – may use physical violence –5s – get feelings hurt –6s – tease, insult, nag, make fun FEAR - Active imagination –Accept the fear –Let child express without ridicule –Face the fear –Strategies???????????

Social and Emotional Jealousy Worry – look for signs of expressed tension….like what? What do you do now? –Look for cause –Strategies to calm down –Release tension –Read book about issue

Moral Development LEAD by EXAMPLE Set clear standards Respond to inappropriate behavior Talk about mistakes in private Life long development Show love despite misbehavior Accentuate the positive Build empathy

Intellectual Development IQ Multiple Intelligences 4s – understands 3 step directions 5s – understands about 13,000 words 6s – reads words and simple sentences Continue to learn through play

Nutrition is essential (as always) Influences on nutrition? Can be active role in preparation Setting an example Poor nutrition undermines (weakens) health Obesity – consumes more calories than burns through physical activity

Self-Care Encourage independence Wash, dress, brush teeth, care for clothes Toilet training – by 4 th birthday accidents only because of distraction Nocturnal Enuresis more common

Building Self-Confidence Opportunities to perform well Show respect Give praise and encouragement Plan activities Encourage individuality

SAFETY first! Helmets RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT Playground safety Others? Car Seats