Preschool Milestone Checklist

Before preschoolers move into the kindergarten classroom environment, they should have reached certain developmental milestones. It is important to monitor your child's development closely to determine his readiness to transfer into kindergarten comfortably. If you notice some areas that require improvement, there is no reason to worry; all children develop at their own pace. You can encourage development in specific areas by taking the time to work with your child to build his skills.

  1. Gross Motor Skills

    • Preschoolers should have the ability to walk in straight lines, march, clap and throw balls. They should also have the ability to jump, hop and run. Preschoolers should be able to alternate feet when going down stairs and they should be able to walk backwards for 5 feet. Your preschooler should also be able to balance on one foot for 10 seconds. You can practice and test these basic gross motor skills together each day in an enjoyable routine to encourage development.

    Fine Motor Skills

    • Preschoolers should have the ability to hold and operate writing instruments to draw and replicate identifiable shapes and objects. They should also be able to cut out paper shapes with scissors while turning the paper. Your preschooler should be able to build with blocks, and she should be able to apply paste successfully to papers. Fine motor skills are characterized by your preschooler's ability to button and zip her clothes. Sculpting clay, painting with brushes and writing or drawing also require the use of her fine motor skills. Perform these tasks with your child often to build strength and promote coordination.

    Sequencing and Recognition Skills

    • Your preschooler should be able to recognize different sizes, shapes and colors. She should be able to distinguish opposites and matching objects. Children this age should also have the ability to identify body parts, animals and simple objects. Letters and numbers should be understood in proper sequence. Ask your preschooler questions about her immediate surroundings to test her ability to recognize these key elements. Repetition of the alphabet and numbers can help increase her comprehension of sequential orders.

    Listening Skills

    • Preschoolers need to have the ability to attentively listen to instructors. Your child should additionally demonstrate an ability to follow directions. Sing songs together to test his listening abilities. Start the song by singing the first bar by yourself and then have him follow up by singing the same lyrics back to you. If you feel your child has problems listening and following directions, try reading simple nursery rhymes once a day together. Ask him to repeat the words of the rhymes to you after you have finished reading to promote better listening skills.

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