Fourth Year Milestones
By the time your child has their fourth birthday, they will have learned a ton more skills and become even more independent. They are getting ready for (or already in) preschool, asking a ton of questions, and showing off their new skills and abilities every chance they get.
Let’s explore the key developmental milestones your child should achieve between ages 3 and 4 and what you can do to support their development and growth during the fourth year.
Your Child’s Milestones at 4 Years Old
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
- Serves their own food or drink successfully with adult supervision
- Holds a crayon or marker between their fingers and thumb
- Catches a large ball successfully more often than not
- Able to unbutton some buttons on their clothes
Speech and Language Skills
- Uses four or more words to make sentences
- Tells you things that happened during the day
- Answers simple questions
- Repeats the words from a song or story they’ve heard often
Cognitive Skills
- Tells you what comes next in a story they’ve heard a lot
- Draws a human with at least three different body parts (head, body, and arms; head, eyes, and ears; etc.)
- Names the colors of different items
- Knows their first and last name
Social and Emotional Skills
- Enjoys helping others
- Offers comfort to someone who is hurt or sad
- Changes their behavior based on where they are (example: may be loud and active at the park, but knows to be quiet and respectful in a grocery store)
- Pretends to be someone or something else during imaginative play
- Asks to play with friends even if they are not around
How to Help Your Child Achieve Their Fourth-Year Milestones
Supporting your child’s development during their fourth year will help them gain the skills they need for lifelong success and learning. Here are some practical tips to help your child achieve their fourth-year milestones:
Do Activities That Build Fine Motor Skills
When you provide crayons, markers, and large paper for free drawing, your child has the opportunity to express creativity and enhance fine motor skills. Introduce coloring books with simple shapes and images, encouraging precision by drawing within lines.
Play-Doh is also a great tool for development. Allowing your child to roll, flatten, and shape playdough promotes fine motor control. Provide small tools for cutting, molding, and creating, fostering both creativity and hand-eye coordination.
Play Games Together
Encourage your child to engage in physical activity like running, jumping, and climbing at the park, dancing to music, or playing catch. These activities are great ways for your child to build their gross motor skills.
Engage Their Imagination
Reading, singing, and imaginative play are great ways to practice speech and language skills. Read books together and ask them questions about the story and the pictures, teach them simple nursery rhymes, and play pretend with them with their toys to encourage their speech and language development.
Facilitate Social Skill Development
Playing with children their own age is a great way for your child to build key social and emotional skills like taking turns and empathy. You can also play pretend with them using dolls, action figures, stuffed animals, etc., to teach them more about important social skills like helping others or working together.
Encourage Them to Solve Problems
Letting your child face and figure out problems on their own is good for their cognitive development. If your child has a problem like they can’t reach something they want, you can ask them questions to help them better understand the problem and what they could do to solve it. By doing this, you help them learn how to problem solve on their own.
Avoid Screen Time
Children learn best by playing and talking with others, not by watching TV. While some children’s programs can have educational value, it’s best to limit screentime to no more than 1 hour per day with you or another adult present to answer any questions and participate.
Play Games That Make You Think
Help your child build their cognitive skills with puzzles, counting games, and memory games. Working together on puzzles encourages problem-solving skills. Counting games, such as counting how many pillows are in the house, helps your child start learning basic math and research skills. And playing memory games helps to build focus and memory skills in a fun way.
What to Do if You’re Worried About Your Child’s Development
If you have concerns about your 4-year-old not reaching developmental milestones, it’s essential to take proactive steps to address the situation. Here are some recommendations:
1. Consult with the Pediatrician
Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to discuss your concerns. A healthcare professional can assess your child’s overall health and development to provide valuable insights and guidance.
2. Seek a Developmental Evaluation
Reach out to Let’s Communicate Pediatric Therapy Services for a developmental evaluation. We can assess your child’s speech and language skills, feeding skills, occupational skills, and their physical skills. These assessments can help identify areas of concern and guide appropriate interventions.
3. Create a Supportive Environment
Create a nurturing and supportive environment at home. Encourage activities that target specific areas of concern and celebrate small victories. Positive reinforcement can boost your child’s confidence and motivation.
4. Collaborate with Educators
If your child is in preschool or daycare, communicate with their educators. Share your concerns and work collaboratively to implement strategies that support your child’s development in both educational and social settings.
5. Advocate for Your Child
Be an advocate for your child’s needs. If you feel additional services or accommodations are necessary, communicate with healthcare professionals, educators, and therapists to ensure your child receives the support required.
Reach Out to Let’s Communicate for Personalized Support
Remember, each child develops at their own pace, and some variations are expected. However, early intervention and support can make a significant difference in addressing developmental delays and providing the necessary tools for your child’s success.
If your child needs extra support, call Let’s Communicate Pediatric Therapy Services at (678) 963-0694 to schedule an evaluation. We’ll work with your child to build the skills they need for a confident and successful life.
