5 years milestones
five-year-olds are school-ready or close to it. they can follow complex instructions, tell detailed stories, and manage friendships. this is a milestone year for independence.
physical milestones
•stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer
•hops and may skip
•can do a somersault
•uses a fork and spoon well (and sometimes a knife)
•can use the toilet on their own
•swings and climbs
•draws a person with at least 6 body parts
•prints some letters and numbers
cognitive milestones
•can count 10 or more objects
•correctly names at least 4 colours
•understands everyday things like money and food
•draws a person with at least 6 body parts
•prints some letters and numbers
•copies a triangle and other geometric shapes
•knows about things used every day (money, food, appliances)
social & emotional milestones
•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
•is sometimes demanding and sometimes cooperative
language & communication
•speaks very clearly
•tells a simple story using full sentences
•uses future tense ('Grandma will be here soon')
•says name and address
•knows and may use rhyming words
red flags to watch for
talk to your GP or child health nurse if your child:
- •doesn't show a wide range of emotions
- •shows extreme behaviour (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- •unusually withdrawn and not active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 make-believe
- •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
tips for this age
- •practise school routines: packing a bag, lunchbox independence, using the toilet alone
- •encourage reading — even if they can't read yet, talk about stories together
- •let them solve small problems before stepping in
- •talk about starting school positively and visit the school if possible
view all age milestones
from 3 months to 5 years
this information is based on general developmental guidelines from the CDC and Raising Children Network. every child develops differently — these are guides, not checklists. if you have concerns, consult your GP or child health professional.