HomeEarly Years Resources Growth and Development 5 Years

5 Years

Below is a list of developmental milestones that children typically reach at the end of 5 years of age. Review them with your child’s healthcare professional and talk about what to expect next.

Movement & Physical Development

  • Stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer  
  • Hops; may be able to skip 
  • Can do a somersault 
  • Uses a fork and spoon and sometimes a table knife 
  • Can use the toilet on their own 
  • Swings and climbs

Social & Emotional

  • Wants to please friends 
  • Wants to be like friends 
  • More likely to agree with rules 
  • Likes to sing, dance, and act 
  • Is aware of gender 
  • Can tell what’s real and what’s make-believe 
  • Shows more independence (for example, may visit a next- door neighbor alone [adult supervision is still needed]) 
  • Is sometimes demanding and sometimes very cooperative

COGNITIVE (LEARNING, THINKING, PROBLEM SOLVING)

  • Counts 10 or more things 
  • Can draw a person with at least 6 body parts  
  • Can print some letters or numbers 
  • Copies a triangle and other shapes 
  • Knows about things used every day, like money and food

LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION

  • Speaks very clearly 
  • Tells a simple story using full sentences 
  • Uses future tense; for example, “Grandma will be here.” 
  • Says name and address

What You Can Do With Your 5-Year-Old

You can help your child learn and grow. Talk, read, sing, and play together every day. Below are some activities to enjoy with your 5-year-old child today. 

ACTIVITY LIST

Ask For Help if Your Child...

  • Doesn’t show a wide range of emotions 
  • Shows extreme behavior (unusually fearful, aggressive, shy or sad) 
  • Unusually withdrawn and not active 
  • Is easily distracted, has trouble focusing on one activity for more than 5 minutes 
  • Doesn’t respond to people, or responds only superficially 
  • Can’t tell what’s real and what’s pretend 
  • Doesn’t play a variety of games and activities 
  • Can’t give first and last name 
  • Doesn’t use plurals or past tense properly 
  • Doesn’t talk about daily activities or experiences 
  • Doesn’t draw pictures 
  • Can’t brush teeth, wash and dry hands, or get undressed without help 
  • Loses skills they once had
Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any of these signs of possible developmental delay for this age. You can also talk with someone in your community who is familiar with services for young children in your area. Try the FCWN Navigator by emailing [email protected] or calling 403- 995-2706.