Physical Development in the Preschool Years

Preschool children, ages 3 to 5, physically develop in a steady growth pattern. Physical abilities enable children to navigate and connect with their world, and are developed in a sequence starting with basic motor skills, building on to more complex skills. In order to reach their physical capabilities, children should be engaged in activities that keep them moving and provide appropriate physical challenges.

  1. Body Development

    • During the preschool years, children&'s bodies become more slender and narrow in appearance as they gain more muscle. The rate of growth for preschool children slows down and progresses at a steady pace. However, children of the same age can vary greatly in height and weight. The facial features of preschoolers become larger and more prominent, while the jaw widens to accommodate permanent teeth.

    Age 3 Development

    • Three-year-old children are active, and like to move while they play. As they have limited control of their impulses, these preschoolers find it difficult to sit still for long periods or wait for turns. Development milestones for 3-year-olds include the ability to run, hop on one foot, march and ride toys such as a tricycle. At home, they are developing fine motor skills like pouring, feeding and simple dressing tasks such as pulling on shoes.

    Age 4 Development

    • Like 3-year-olds, 4-year-old preschoolers have plenty of energy, and often move around during seated activities. Children at this age will vary in their physical development depending on their readiness, maturity and cultural expectations. Common physical milestones for 4-year-olds include skipping, throwing balls overhead, and jumping from a standing position. These children will begin to master fine motor skills like cutting with scissors and dressing by themselves.

    Age 5 Year Development

    • By age 5, preschoolers have gained more muscle coordination, allowing them to participate in skating, riding a bicycle, or hitting a ball with a bat. Though 5-year-olds find it difficult to remain still for long periods of time, they are better able to focus their energy on a task. Fine motor skills improve in 5-year-olds, who can now dress without help, use writing implements to print and create drawings and tie their shoes.

    Activities for Physical Development

    • Preschoolers develop their physical abilities through body movement. Moving from one place to another will develop gross motor skills such as walking, running or skipping. To develop balance and coordination, movements performed in the same place, like turns or twists, can be done. Fine motor skills are developed by movements that rely on the hands and feet, like holding, grasping and catching.

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