HE-730h 4-YEAR-OLDS
HE-730h, Reprinted July 1998.
Ellen Abell,Extension Family and
Child Development Specialist, Assistant
Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University,
and H. Wallace Goddard, former Extension Family and
Child Development Specialist
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4-Year-Olds |
Four-year-olds have
come a long way in establishing a sense of control over their
bodies. They are expert walkers, runners, and climbers. Four-year-olds
are also very curious and imaginative. They enjoy playing make-believe
and can be remarkably creative--and sometimes silly. They need
adults who can help them channel their energy and creativity in
positive ways.
What's It Like To Be 4 Years Old?
- I can dress myself, except for tying my shoes.
- I can balance and hop on one foot.
- I can skip and gallop and leap.
- I can draw shapes that stand for people and buildings and
flowers and other things.
- I can cut on a line.
- I can bounce and catch a ball.
- I have a longer attention span for things that interest me.
 What Your 4-Year-Old Wants You To Know:
- I am very curious about many things. Please answer my
questions when you can.
- I can dress myself, but I need a little extra time. I
don't do it very well when I am rushed.
- I love books and stories and rhymes and nonsense words.
- Please listen to me when I talk. Your listening tells
me that I'm important.
- Talk with me and ask me questions about what I notice
and think and feel.
- It helps me to behave when you set clear and fair rules
and show me how to follow them.
- Please be sensitive to my fears, even if you don't understand
them.
- Even though I seem very independent, I still need lots
of hugs and encouragement from you.
- I learn how I should feel about myself by the way that
you treat me. Your care and respect help me feel like I am a
worthwhile person.
- Every child is different. If you watch me closely, you
will get clues about why I do what I do and how to help me grow.
How Do 4-Year-Olds...?
Think And Learn
- They are curious and ask many questions.
- They imitate others.
- They can name simple shapes.
- They begin to recognize letters and numbers.
- They think that nonliving things, like trees and the sun,
think and feel like people do.
- They can repeat songs, finger plays, and stories.
Grow Socially And Emotionally
- They can share toys and play with others.
- They have a rigid understanding of what is right and wrong.
- They want to please and be helpful.
- They care about the feelings of others.
- They like to imagine themselves doing adult behavior.
- They have an active imagination and may occasionally show
fear of ordinary things.
How Do Children Learn?
Children are natural learners. They are curious, interested,
and enthusiastic about learning new things. The best way to teach
young children is to provide many opportunities for physical play,
new experiences, hands-on activities, games, and pretend play.
Children learn...
- by doing
- through movement
- by being noticed and encouraged
- through their senses
- by making things
- through language and stories
- by playing with other children
- through imitation
- through pretend play
All children grow, learn, and develop at different
rates. The information in this brochure is considered typical
for this age. If we do all we can to help children develop now,
they will have the best chance to do well in school and in life.
This brochure was developed by the Child Care
Resource Center and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
For more information, contact your county Extension
office. Look in your telephone directory under your county's name
to find the number.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative
Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May
8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with
the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension
System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers
educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment
to all people without regard to race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.
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this document, please email publications@aces.edu
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For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties or look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find contact information.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and
home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related
acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama
Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn
University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal
opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.
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