This document outlines some common characteristics of children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old. It describes that 4-year-olds love nature, are very active needing lots of gross motor activities, have wild imaginations but don't like to sit still. 5-year-olds are more literal and want to do things right, enjoy group activities, and are starting to understand morals. Between 5.5-6 years old, children continue developing motor skills and understanding of letters and numbers but may still reverse some, have high energy levels, and ask lots of questions about the world around them.

1. A Few Characteristics of 4 to 6-Year-Old Children
By Stephanie Riley and Barbara Bennett
4 Year-Old
In tune with nature
Loves to go on excursions
Very active – he needs lots of gross motor activities like
running, jumping, hopping or climbing
Does not like to sit for long periods of time
Has lots of energy
Wild, fanciful imagination
Expands on projects – doesn’t like to replicate models
Very verbal
May use “potty” language
Friends are important
Loves silly songs
4 ½ Year-Old
Your child is easily frightened and therefore likes super heroes
Loves “monsters”
Sharks and dinosaurs are interesting
Lots of questions about death
Worried and highly frustrated
Many of the same characteristics of a four year old
5 Year-Old
Very literal and practical; does exactly what you ask
Wants to do things right
Likes group experiences (i.e., group games, murals, etc.)
Will need to be reassured by teacher
Morals are forming – great sense of right and wrong
Motor development is good
Dramatic play is practical (real-life rather than fanciful)
Can count to 10 and can count objects one by one
Writes first name in capital letters
Can draw a diagonal stroke
5 ½ Year-Old
Often clumsy
Often reverses a large amount of numbers and letters
Highs and lows emotionally
Tongue swings back and forth under stress
Loves you or hates you

2. 5 ½ Year-Old
High energy/extreme tiredness
Using a pencil and paper, and reading are difficult if going through spatial
disequillbrium
6 Year-Old
Sloppy work
High energy – needs to run
Chews on everything in sight because cutting molars
Likes teacher – wants teacher to be stable person – doesn’t like substitutes
Borrows without returning
Pocketfuls of collections
Lots of questions about God
Questions about teacher and where he/she lives
Still reverses some numbers and letters
Uses capitals and lower case together – not always in correct order
Between 6 and 6 1/2, most want to read