Learn the skills of a 4-year-old child

During the preschool years, your child develops at a rapid pace. The timid, lonely little man begins to discover his peers around him. You may notice that he has become more persistent and can take on burdens more easily. You can organize joint programs with him that also require his stamina: you can ride a bike, go on a short hike, play soccer, play outdoor games. 

For a 4-year-old, the adult is the most important example , he imitates him, that's how he learns. That's why it's important what kind of model he sees from us, we have a responsibility in this. It's not just the teaching that shapes him, but what he takes away from us unnoticed deeply shapes his personality, problem-solving ability, and behavior. Inherited factors also contribute to this.

Source: Gyermekút Methodological Center, Early Childhood Program

Children have different physical abilities and interests.

Inherited traits are quickly noticeable even in infancy, especially if there is a sibling who may have a completely different build and character than the younger one. As the child develops and moves in more and more directions in the world, he is given more and more opportunities to receive and even acquire stimuli that match his individual interests , and to act according to his physical abilities and self-confidence. 

For this, we, parents, can provide the appropriate environment of freedom and security. Do you sometimes feel that it is not easy to find the balance between letting go and guiding or perhaps prohibiting? Perhaps the most important thing is to maintain consistency and firmness in those situations in which only the parent can decide.

Why is play the most important developmental activity?

Because the child plays instinctively, driven by a strong inner need. We know that every game is also learning for him, as it develops him in all areas, in movement, attention, concentration, creativity, communication, and later in socialization. His vision and hearing mature during this time.

Every child plays in a completely unique way, reflecting their own personality and experiences, so a child's play activity is exactly as good as they do it! Certain conditions are necessary: ​​place, time, a stimulating atmosphere, playmates, and most importantly: the opportunity for freedom.

Source: Dr. Anna Bakonyi, pedagogical expert

Playing with others is the most enjoyable!

While in the small group age, children play mostly alone and begin to observe others, this interesting process seems to change suddenly in the middle group age. Your child is already interacting with his peers and is able to choose a playmate that he likes. At this time, you may see him start to cling to another girl or boy, with whom he walks and looks. They are already playing together, but there is no real cooperation yet. 

Cooperative play also develops: this is the first conscious teamwork. “Let's cook a delicious lunch for the babies and give them tea too!” So ​​role-playing appears.

Movement development is characterized by efficiency and speed.

A 4-year-old child adapts well to loads, climbs skillfully, swings, and runs quickly. What else does he know?

• Can stand on one leg for about 6 seconds and hop on one leg 3-5 times
• Can walk in a straight line, feet together
• It runs fast, turns suddenly, stops

He is already playing soccer well, kicking the ball with his foot back and looking towards the goal. He can also kick a rolling ball. 

Pay attention to your posture ! In order to have well-developed muscles by the time you reach school age, it is important to move a lot in preschool and not sit in one place all the time. Don't put one-sided strain on your spine. If your muscles are properly prepared for hours spent sitting at school, you will have fewer problems with your posture and prolonged sitting will not be a burden for you.

At the age of 4, right- and left-handedness becomes clear. Practicing fine motor skills is always important. There are so many games that develop manual dexterity : lacing, sorting, screwing, drawing, cutting with scissors. Your child may not yet be able to hold a pencil correctly, which is okay, as the use of his fingers is constantly developing. You can help him with strengthening, for which plasticine, sanding, all kinds of creations, and collecting in nature are perfect. 

How does a 4-year-old child perceive the world?

When he observes something, he can separate the shape from the background. Shape perception , shape recognition , and recognition of size categories are strengthened. Play a game with him that involves pairs of opposites – small and large, wide and narrow, hot and cold – or where he has to recognize a solid-colored shape based on its shape. 

Our world today sends too many stimuli to children. Much of this is not processed, it burdens their nervous system. They can become frustrated and restless because of it. What do we mean? Effects that we are probably already used to: loud noise, continuous monotonous noise pollution, too many people, vibrant, rapidly changing sequences of images and sound effects in television fairy tales. 

Promotes independence in preschool

In kindergarten, the daycare teachers and the nanny cannot help every child at the same time. But that is not the goal, because in this environment there are already tasks and small responsibilities. The child learns that the toy he took out must be put away. Together they tidy up before lunch and help set the table. It is good if we make room for these new things at home, so it is worth asking the kindergarten teacher about them.

Independent toilet use is developing, but this is a process that requires patience and tact on the part of the adult. Dressing is also routine, with assistance only needed for the most delicate movements, such as tying shoelaces when going out into the yard. 

Let's be understanding and let him learn the latest tasks at his own pace, which he will then turn into a routine with proper practice. 

Do you always talk?

Yes... Don't be surprised, this is such an era! Communication really comes to the fore. Our child wants to tell us everything that happened to him, and we are happy to listen to his stories. He also often uses communication during play. 

Let's talk to the child! Don't just be the recipient, but let him express his thoughts himself. This way he will learn reciprocity. Let's strive for quality time spent together, when external factors are excluded, and it's just us together, paying attention to each other. If you want to read more about quality time , check out our previous article!

Regular storytelling is important at this age. We can tell stories, we can write poems, and even old family stories are usually very interesting to children. Through stories, they can process their emotions and fears, and stories motivate and influence character.