Physical Development for 4 & 5 Year Olds

Think of the average four or five year old and you'll likely conjure up images of a boy or girl that runs around a mile a minute asking hundreds of questions. Although this stereotyped view has some shortcomings, it highlights the importance of understanding the physical changes, fine motor development and large motor development of your little one at this busy stage of childhood.

Physical Changes

• Between the ages of four and five years, your child will show a number of changes in physical development, including height, weight and overall body shape. The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension states that during this year, the average four-year-old is just over 40 inches tall and weighs about 36.5 pounds, gaining approximately 3 inches in height and 4 pounds in weight over the next year. With most growth occurring in the legs and trunk area, your little one starts to noticeably resemble an older child more than a toddler during this time. Another significant physical change is an increase in your little one's bladder size, which allows her longer time periods between bathroom visits now.

Fine Motor Development

• By the age of four, your little one will have an obvious preference for using a certain hand. Although most children are right-handed, do not discourage your little one if he prefers to use his left hand. Allowing your child to use the hand that she prefers will help her better develop other important fine motor skills, such as writing, brushing teeth and using hand tools. During this year, your child will learn skills such as how to tie his shoes, draw simple shapes, use simple hand tools and write his name, according to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.

Large Motor Development

• For many parents, physical development between the ages of four and five years is most obvious in the improvement of large motor skills, especially those involving the feet and hands. By the age of five years, the average child can hop, skip, jump, walk backwards carefully and balance on alternate feet. Your little one will most likely show significant improvement in her ability to catch and throw a ball, as well, using her hands to control the ball's movement much more than she did at the age of four years.

Helpful Activities

• Providing a variety of activities that encourage physical activity is key for your child during this time of physical development. MissouriFamilies.org suggests that you draw a line along the ground and encourage your child to walk along the line in order to improve her balance. Hand-eye coordination can be facilitated through regular games of playing catch; be sure to start with a larger ball and gradually use smaller balls as your little one's skills develop and become increasingly better. Providing a mat for your child to practice tumbling skills such as somersaults and rolls helps promote exercise safety, as well.

Considerations

• Many factors influence your little one's physical development, including her overall health, level of physical activity and degree of physical maturity. Make sure your little one visits your family doctor or pediatrician for regular well-child appointments. Your doctor uses this time to assess your little one's physical development and to ensure that he is progressing accurately and on schedule. If you have concerns about your child's physical development, ask your doctor at these appointments. He will be able to address your fears and concerns, possibly testing your child or referring him to a specialist if needed.