HE-730i 5-YEAR-OLDS
HE-730i, 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
|
 |
5-Year-Olds |
Five-year-olds have
developed so many skills. It's amazing to think about all they
have learned since they were infants! They are expert users of
language. They can tell detailed stories about real and imagined
events. Five-year-olds are creative, fun, and eager to learn and
please. They need adults to encourage and support their interests
and activities.
What's It Like To Be 5 Years Old?
- I'm really good at running, skipping, galloping, and other
physical activities.
- I can learn to tie my shoes.
- I can comb my hair and wash myself.
- I can copy letters and numbers and write my name.
- I can draw a picture that tells a simple story.
- I enjoy counting and sorting objects.
- I like to be read to and then retell the story in my own
way.
What Your 5-Year-Old Wants You To Know:
- I am still learning about the kind of person I am from
the way you treat me.
- I like it when you play simple games with me.
- Please read to me and encourage me to tell stories, too.
- I like to be helpful. Please give me a chance to help
at home in tasks that I can do well.
- Please help me notice the positive things about my efforts.
- I learn about what is right and wrong from watching what
you do.
- I want to be good and please you. If you ask me to do
things in a positive way, it's easier
for me to obey.
- Even though I am very independent, I still need your affection
and encouragement.
- You are my favorite teacher. I count on you to teach me
the important things in life.
- 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 5-Year-Olds...?
Think And Learn
- They are starting to understand the idea of past, present,
and future.
- They have a much longer attention span than younger children.
- They can identify letters and sounds.
- They can tell a story in the correct order.
- They can remember their full name, address, phone number,
and birthday.
Grow Socially And Emotionally
- They like to feel part of a group.
- They enjoy pretend play.
- They feel pride in their accomplishments.
- They can express a wide range of feelings.
- They are starting to be able to interpret the feelings of
others.
 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.
If you have problems loading
this document, please email publications@aces.edu
for assistance.
EXTENSION
Publications | EXTENSION Homepage
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.
|
If you have problems loading
this document, please email publications@aces.edu
for assistance.
Publications Homepage | ACES Homepage
|