Age 2

Age 3

Age 4

Age 5

 Language Skills

Speaks about 50 words

Speaks 250 to 500 or more words

Answers simple questions

Understands rhyming

Links two words together

Speaks in three- and four-word sentences

Speaks in complete sentences

Uses compound and complex sentences

Uses some adjectives (big, happy)

Uses pronouns (I, you, we, they) and some plurals

Uses prepositions (under, beside, in front)

Uses future tense

Speaks clearly enough for parents to understands some of the words

States first name

Speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand

States full name and address

 Social Skills

Becomes aware of his or her identity as a separate individual

Imitates parents and playmates

Cooperates with playmates

Wants to be like friends

May become defiant

Takes turns

Tries to solve problems

Follow rules

Becomes interested in playing with other children

Expresses affection openly

May have a best friend

Understands gender

Separation anxiety begins to fade

Easily separates from parents

Becomes more independent

Wants to do things alone

Cognitive Skills

Begins to play make-believe

Asks “why” questions

Becomes involved in more complex imaginary play

Uses imagination to create stories

Begins to sort objects by shape and color

Correctly names some colors

Prints some capital letters

Correctly counts 10 or more objects

Scribbles

Copies a circle

Draws a person with two to four body parts

Copies a triangle and other geometric patterns

Finds hidden objects

Understands the concept of same and different

Understands the concepts of morning, afternoon, and night

Understands the concepts of time and sequential order

 Physical Skills

Walks alone and stands on tiptoe

Walks up and down stairs alternating feet

Stands on one foot for at least five seconds

Stands on one foot for at least 10 seconds

Climbs on furniture and begins to run

Kicks, climbs, runs and pedals a tricycle

Throws ball overhand, kicks ball forward and catches bounced ball most of the time

Hops, swings and somersaults

Builds a tower of six or more blocks

Builds a tower of nine or more blocks

Dresses and undresses

May learn to ride a bike and swim

Empties objects from a container

Manipulates small objects and turns book pages one at a time

Uses scissors

Brushes own teeth and cares for other personal needs