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She draws recognizable pictures, prints her name, does elaborate puzzles,
dresses herself.
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Her pictures are symbols of real things; she may draw a two-story house even if
she lives in a flat.
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Her memory span expands and she begins to make comparisons.
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She gives reasons and solves problems.
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She can order some objects and sort items into simple categories.
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She may mimic your pose and copy your tone of voice.
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As she reaches school age, her friendships become firmer.
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Boys may begin to play in bigger groups than girls.
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She explains games to other children.
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She indicates to others when to "pretend" and when something is "real."
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She should be able to complete an activity without waiting for direction.
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Skateboards
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Children's software
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Electronic learning toys
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Advanced level scooters
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Entertainment toys
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Simple working camera
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Framed puzzles with 25 to 50 pieces
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Picking-up or balancing games
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Simple card games and picture bingo
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Science materials such as magnets, binoculars, magnifying glass
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Two-wheeled bike with training wheels and helmet
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Battery-powered ride-ons
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Jump rope
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Why your child will enjoy this toy now:
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| With more life experiences to draw on, and a wealth
of verbal and motor skills, your child will enjoy communicating and expressing
himself through art, performance and photography. |
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What you can do to help your child learn more:
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Try to make time to show a real interest in your child's creations. If you can,
stop what you're doing and check it out when he says, "Hey, Mom! Look what I
made!" or “Watch this dance I made up!” Set aside special time when you can
focus on just him. Ask him to demonstrate his work, and praise him for his
abilities.
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Can he express to you why he's created a certain drawing or snapped a particular picture?
Or why he thinks his music sounds a certain way? Encourage him to talk about his ideas
and feelings.
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If your child owns or has access to a camera, encourage her to take photos
while on an outing to document the experience. If her favorite photo is
digital, help her enhance it by adding special effects or a fun digital border.
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Make sure your child is exposed to music and art in other parts of his life.
Take a trip to a gallery or sculpture park, attend a play or symphony
performance just for kids. Whatever field trip you decide on, do a little
research up front to see if it's a child-friendly environment; it can help
ensure the experience is a positive one for both of you.
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Why your child will enjoy this toy now:
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| An increasing sense of confidence may mean your child
is ready to take physical activities to another level. Sports toys that build
on current abilities and offer new challenges boost a child’s confidence and
feeling of success. |
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What you can do to help your child learn more:
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Give your child tips for success. Demonstrate how to throw the football. Show
him how to hold the bat; if it’s too long for him at first, show him how he can
“choke up” on the handle to gain more control over his swing.
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Cue your child before you pitch, "Keep your eye on the ball." Go slowly at
first. Even if you're not the best pitcher, you’ll still be passing along some
good tips.
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Regardless of your child’s sport of choice, be a good coach. Realize it's just
as important to praise your child's efforts as his successes. If you try to be
descriptive in your praise, your words will have more lasting value to your
child—for example, "You really concentrated on aiming the ball” vs. “Great
shot!”
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Don't be afraid to take turns—it will help your child to experience what it's
like to pitch, and to see you bat from a pitcher’s perspective, or to take
shots on or defend the goal.
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When you both feel confident you're ready, you can pick up the pace of the
game. Maybe you'll even want to count how many hits your child has, how many
goals he’s scored or how many baskets he’s made. Then see if you can break your
own records.
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Why your child will enjoy this toy now:
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| Banging a pot, shaking a rattle, singing the "ABC" song… from a young age, children find ways to create music. Now that your child is getting older, she's ready to take her talent to the next level. Making music - whether playing an instrument or singing a song - is a great way for her to express herself and develop her mind at the same time! |
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What you can do to help your child learn more:
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- Expose your child to a variety of different music genres. He may be familiar with traditional kids' music, but what about opera, jazz or Broadway show tunes? Change the radio dial frequently at home and in the car. Ask him which styles he prefers.
- Attend a concert together. It could be a children's philharmonic performance, an outdoor band concert - whatever strikes your fancy. If he enjoys recorded music, he'll be thrilled to have an opportunity to hear it live!
- If your child is learning an instrument, invite her to perform for you. Make tickets together, invite some friends (or stuffed animals!) and give her a chance to show you what she's learned.
- Don't forget that you can check out more than books at the library. As your child takes an interest in a particular instrument, singer or style, find out if your library carries any CDs that would appeal to him.
- Make time for music games. Musical Chairs" is great for playgroups, parties and family together time. In "Musical Statues" players run, dance, hop and skip while the music plays. When it stops, they must stand as still as a statue until the music resumes. The first child who moves is out. Repeat the fun until you have a winner.
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All children develop at their own pace, and reach milestones at different times. The highlights
mentioned in this web site are meant as approximate guidelines only. If you have any
questions about your child's development, consult your healthcare provider. |
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