Pre-Schoolers 3-6 y/o
Physical Development |
- Growth Rate: Preschoolers grow about 2-3 inches in height and gain around 4-5 pounds per year. - Gross Motor Skills: They become more coordinated, mastering skills like running, jumping, climbing, and throwing and catching a ball with improved accuracy. - Fine Motor Skills: Increased dexterity allows them to use scissors, draw basic shapes, and begin to write some letters, enhancing their hand-eye coordination. - Self-Care Skills: Preschoolers become more independent, learning to dress themselves, use the toilet independently, and feed themselves with utensils. |
Cognitive Development |
- Language Skills: Vocabulary expands significantly; preschoolers may know 1,000 words or more and start forming complex sentences. They can engage in simple conversations and ask many questions. - Thinking Skills: They develop the ability to think symbolically and begin to understand concepts like time, counting, and sorting objects based on attributes. - Imaginative Play: Engaging in pretend play becomes central, as they use imagination to create scenarios, roles, and narratives, which enhances problem-solving and creativity. - Understanding Rules: Preschoolers start to grasp basic rules in games and structured activities, developing an understanding of taking turns and sharing. |
Psychosocial Development |
- Initiative vs. Guilt: Preschoolers develop a sense of initiative, exploring new activities and ideas, but they may also experience guilt when they feel they have misbehaved or failed. - Social Skills: They start forming friendships and enjoy playing with peers, demonstrating increased cooperation and empathy toward others. - Emotional Regulation: Preschoolers become better at expressing their emotions and recognizing feelings in others, although they may still struggle with frustration and anger management. - Independence: They assert their independence, often wanting to do things on their own, but still look to adults for guidance and support. |
Age-Appropriate Activities |
- Physical Activities: Encourage outdoor play, such as running, jumping, climbing, and playing ball games to promote gross motor skills and overall health. - Creative Activities: Provide materials for arts and crafts (drawing, painting, cutting, gluing) to foster fine motor skills and creativity. - Imaginative Play: Engage in pretend play with dolls, action figures, or dress-up clothes to enhance social skills, creativity, and storytelling abilities. - Educational Games: Use puzzles, matching games, and simple board games to promote cognitive skills, problem-solving, and understanding of rules and turn-taking |
Immunizations |
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): The second dose is typically given between 4-6 years of age. - DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis): The fifth dose is usually administered at 4-6 years old. - Varicella (Chickenpox): The second dose is given between 4-6 years of age. - IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine): The fourth dose is given at 4-6 years old. - Annual Influenza Vaccine: Recommended for all preschoolers to protect against seasonal flu. - COVID-19: If applicable, follow current guidelines for vaccination based on age and availability. |
Health Screenings |
- Routine Well-Child Visits: Annual check-ups to monitor growth, development, and general health. - Developmental Screening: Assessments for language, motor, social, and cognitive skills to identify any developmental delays. - Hearing and Vision Screenings: Routine screenings at preschool age to catch early signs of hearing or vision issues, with referrals as needed. - Dental Checkups: Regular visits to the dentist every six months to promote oral health and establish good dental hygiene practices. |
Nutrition |
- Balanced Diet: Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy. Offer a variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs. - Portion Control: Serve age-appropriate portions, as preschoolers may have small appetites. Encourage self-regulation of hunger and fullness cues. - Limit Sugary Foods: Reduce the intake of sugary snacks and beverages, and promote healthier options like water, milk, and natural fruit juices (in moderation). - Healthy Snacking: Provide healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and whole-grain crackers to keep energy levels stable throughout the day. |
Injury Prevention |
- Supervision: Maintain close supervision during play, particularly during outdoor activities and near water. - Safety Gear: Ensure the use of helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads while riding bicycles, scooters, or engaging in other wheeled activities. - Home Safety: Childproof the home by securing furniture, using safety gates, covering electrical outlets, and keeping dangerous items (e.g., cleaning supplies, sharp objects) out of reach. - Teaching Safety Rules: Educate preschoolers about basic safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, not talking to strangers, and the importance of seat belts in cars. - Fire and Emergency Safety: Teach preschoolers about fire safety, including the importance of smoke detectors, and practice emergency exit routes from the home. |
|
