Children at this stage of development are between four and five years old and are able to stand on one foot for five seconds, throw a ball overhand, use scissors and dress and undress themselves. They are able to ride a tricycle, and some may be ready to learn to ride a bike. They are able to kick a ball and catch a large ball that is bounced to them. They are developing their large motor skills during this time so it is important to use large things, such as large balls, scissors, pencils and crayons to help them develop the skills they need.
By the age of four, preschoolers can answer simple questions. During this time, have the expectation that the child speaks in complete sentences. Start a sentence for him, providing support. For example, if someone asks him what his favorite toy is, you would start the sentence for him by saying "My favorite toy is ..." Children are capable of speaking in complete sentences and using and understanding prepositions, such as under, over and above. Incorporate daily activities so students have the opportunity to practice. For example, place a book on a table and instruct the child to say "The book is on the table." A child's speech at this stage is clear enough for a stranger to understand.
Children at this stage, ages four to five years old, are able to draw a person with two to four body parts. When drawing with a child, model for him how to draw a person, developing the child's skills from drawing stick figures to a more detailed drawing. They are able to write capital letters. Use a sand table so children have a place to practice different kinesthetic ways of writing, in addition to pencil and paper. Children at this stage are imaginative and oftentimes will play with dolls or action figures in depth, acting out what they are doing.
During this stage, children ages four to five become more independent, being insistent on doing things on their own, such as getting dressed and undressed. They are able to try to resolve simple conflicts that come up with other children, offering ideas to solve a problem. There is more of an awareness to friendships. It is now that children will gravitate to one child and become friends, getting together for play dates. Children are able to play organized games such as Red Rover, freeze tag and Duck, Duck, Goose.