What to expect of a five year old
By this age they have learned the power of rejecting others. They may verbally threaten to end friendships or select others. They tend to be bossy with each other, and it's common to have more leaders than followers with this age group. Children this age can dress and eat with very little supervision, but may revert to young behavior when it suits them. They enjoy being with others and joke and tease to gain attention.
Physically five-year-olds can walk backwards quickly. They can skip and run with agility and speed. They hop well and can jump over objects. They love to jump down several steps and can jump rope well. They are good climbers by this age and can ride a bike.
The five-year-old has a high energy level and rarely shows fatigue. In fact children of this age find inactivity difficult and seek active games.
Their fine motor skills improve: they can use scissors and screwdrivers without help, hit a nail with a hammer, and use a computer keyboard. They can build three-dimensional block structures and do 10- to 15-piece puzzles easily. They can also copy shapes, draw people, and print letters. The letters are still a little crude, but most can be recognized by an adult. Many can print their first name.
Five-year-olds can zip their own coat; they can button well and tie shoes by themselves. They can count to at least 25 and classify objects according to color, weight, and size.
These children have a vocabulary of 5,000 to 8,000 words, and pronounce words easily. They use more complex sentences, and can take turns in a conversation. They interrupt less frequently and listen better to others.
They share experiences verbally and know the words to many songs. They like to show off in front of new people, or become unpredictably very shy. They can remember lines of simple poems and repeat full sentences and expressions from others, including television shows and commercials.
The five-year-old is able to use nonverbal gestures such as facial expressions. He enjoys repeating stories, poems and songs, and enjoys acting out plays or stories.
