Your child's attention span should increase markedly throughout preschool so that by the end, he can listen for a few minutes at a time. Preschool should enable him to interpret a combination of communication mediums, such as actions, gestures and expressions. He should be able to recognize at least 10 letters, retell simple stories from memory, demonstrate a steadily increasing vocabulary and carry on basic conversations. When he sees or creates a picture, he should be able to draw simple conclusions or tell simple stories about it.
By the end of preschool, children should have developed a sense of balance that allows them to stand on one foot for a few moments and walk backward several steps. Your preschooler should become coordinated enough to perform jumping jacks correctly, climb without falling and hop on one foot. Her fine motor control should have developed enough to enable her to hold a pencil or crayon, copy simple shapes, open a door and operate a pair of scissors. She should be able to throw and kick a ball.
Your preschooler should develop an awareness of others' feelings and an ability to form and maintain friendships with peers. She should respect others' space and learn to share without a fuss. In addition, she should gain a strong awareness of cause and effect, learn to follow directions, learn to control strong emotions, follow rules and express herself clearly with a variety of mediums such as actions, facial expressions, gestures and words.
At the conclusion of preschool, your child should be able to button or zip clothing with minimal assistance, use Velcro correctly and pull on his shoes. At meal times, preschoolers should be able to use a spoon and fork and decant liquids from one container to another. Preschoolers should have good bladder and bowel control and ask to use the toilet when needed. Your child should wash his hands and face regularly, practice independence as often as possible (i.e., help himself whenever possible instead of asking a teacher or parent) and know his first and last name.