Your 5 Year Old

Understanding a Child Who is Five Years Old

All children develop at different paces. The following general overview of the development of a child will help you select products and unique gifts suitable for a five year old.

Educational Development

There’s lots to learn, and I am much better at sitting down and concentrating on activities now. I can talk well and, and I can listen to what you have to say. I have also started to read and write. I can count quite well and am starting to understand simple adding and subcontracting. The other good news is that I now enjoy activities that are a bit more long term, so I no longer only focus on the here and now.

Little Helper

I learn by making connections with what I already know, so involvement in routines such as making the bed, gardening and sweeping are ideal. I actually have the ability to be genuinely quite helpful now, especially in the garden.

Independence

I am much better at looking after myself, but sometimes I still need help with awkward, fiddly bits. As I tidy I can match things up, such as socks, and I can do some very basic multi-tasking. I still can’t tell the time, but I am aware that it is something I need to learn.

Family Time

I can show consideration now, understand fairness and see other points of view, which is ideal for playing family games that are more involved. I am grasping how stories and books work, reading from left to right and top to bottom, and I can describe my favourite stories. I can enjoy a book on my own, or sharing it with you. My concentration is better, and I can focus enough to play a game or activity that spans a longer amount of time. I am enjoying growing up and I get more excited with each birthday that comes along. I know that life is magical.

Let off Steam

I really enjoy, and need direct access to, the outdoors to experience the weather and nature. I can use tools such as binoculars, bug boxes and a camera, but am still mastering some large movements and fine manipulative skills. I am confident in running, climbing, jumping and simple balancing and can tackle some of the more complex movements, like skipping, walking pots, hopping and hopscotch. I am better with bats and balls and beginning to master two-wheeled bikes without stabilisers, roller and ice-skates. I have excellent physical control and co-ordination of hands, feet and vision.

Free Play

I love sharing what I know with other children, and with you too. I like playing with friends, and having time to play with them helps me develop relationships. I love pretending with home appliances and equipment, and other things I know locally. I have a really rich imagination and apply it in creative activities and play.

Creative Corner

I can use a range of tools in arts, craft and woodwork and have some construction skills. I can plan what I want to make before I make it, and I like making music.