Cognitive Development: By the End of 3, 4, and 5 Years
Source: Centers for Disease Control (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Topics: Early Years (Birth-5), Preschool, Milestones and Development, Thinking, Learning, and the Senses (Ages 3-5), Cognitive Development
Topics: Early Years (Birth-5), Preschool, Milestones and Development, Thinking, Learning, and the Senses (Ages 3-5), Cognitive Development
By the end of 3 years (36 months):
- Makes mechanical toys work
- Matches an object in her hand or room to a picture in a book
- Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people
- Sorts objects by shape and color
- Completes puzzles with three or four pieces
- Understands concept of "two"
By the end of 4 years (48 months):
- Correctly names some colors
- Understands the concept of counting and may know a few numbers
- Tries to solve problems from a single point of view
- Begins to have a clearer sense of time
- Follows three-part commands
- Recalls parts of a story
- Understands the concepts of "same" and "different"
- Engages in fantasy play
By the end of 5 years (60 months):
- Can count 10 or more objects
- Correctly names at least four colors
- Better understands the concept of time
- Knows about things used every day in the home (money, food, appliances)
Reprinted with the permission of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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