Characteristics of Little Boys

Little boys ages 3 to 5 are rapidly expanding their physical, social and cognitive skills, as well as constantly learning to make sense of the world around them. They have changed substantially from their infant and toddler years, and HealthyChildren.org reports that 3-year-olds are much less selfish than 2-year-olds, as well as less dependent on their parents. While there are many similarities between little girls and little boys, there are also significant differences that will only become more extreme as they get older.

  1. Rough and Tumble Play

    • It is no surprise that little boys greatly enjoy rough and tumble play. According to author Michael Gurian in "Boys and Girls Learn Differently," the testosterone in boys' brains is responsible for their desire to play rougher playground games than girls, as well as their enjoyment of stories involving action instead of emotion. They also tend to take up more room on the playground. Additionally, HealthyChildren.org reports that the average preschool boy is more aggressive than the average preschool girl.

    A Comedian

    • A preschool boy finds enjoyment out of being the class clown and amusing others. WebMD reports that a 4-year-old is starting to develop a sense of humor, and he loves being silly and making people laugh. He also finds potty talk very amusing and may even call his friends things like "poo poo head." Dr. Joseph Tobin, a professor in early childhood education at Arizona State University, reports on the PBS.org website that acknowledging a young class clown's skill at being humorous is an effective way to deal with this kind of behavior.

    Fascinated by Other Males

    • A little boy is fascinated by the other males in his life, whether it be his father, brother or teacher. Jody Mace, a freelance writer and creative writing teacher, reports on earlychildhoodnews.com that the approval or disapproval a preschool boy receives from an older male will likely serve as a powerful motivator for a young boy. He will learn about expected masculine behavior from the male role models that surround him, and they may even challenge certain stereotypes he has, such as the idea that men do not read and cannot be gentle.

    Hands-On

    • Little boys enjoy any activity that is considered hands-on, such as building with Lego blocks or constructing a fort out of blankets. PBS.org reports that this is actually the most effective way for them to learn, as touching, moving, climbing on or constructing things helps them solve problems they could not solve without using physical action. Tobin states that this rule applies in kindergarten, as well as throughout their school experience.

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