"Each child is unique. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones."

"If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician." Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.

5 - 6 Years

	Permanent teeth starting to appear
	Displays left or right handedness
	Builds elaborate structures
	Tires easily
	Bathes, eats, dresses, toilets independently
	Begins to participate in semi-structured games
	Enjoys active games and movement
	Enjoys playing noisy rhythm instruments
	Is curious about reproduction and birth
	Begins to express more feelings in words
	Embarrasses easily, and cannot yet laugh at self
	Feelings about death appear
	Shows guilt over misbehavior
	Likes independence
	Is serious and dependable
	Submits to more rules and regulations
	May tattle, name-call, hit and shove at times
	Distinguishes between sex roles
	Cooperates in simple group tasks
	Likes to please adults
	Takes turns during playing and speaking
	Gets along comfortably with other children
	Is keenly interested in family activities
	Begins to recognize a few letters and words
	Sustains activities over longer periods of time
	Has developed an overall image of self
	Craves facts
	Names simple colors
	Understands left and right on self
	Has a vocabulary of about 2,000 to 2,500 words
	Can help with easy, household chores
	Can learn address and phone number
	Can think some things through
	Counts to 10
	Begins to understand concept of opposites
	Can speak in sentences of 6-8 words
	Identifies coins
	Engages in elaborate dramatic play
	Understands concepts of morning, afternoon, night; yesterday, today and tomorrow
	Is better able to distinguish make-believe from real-life

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