Milestones for 5-Year-Olds

Overview

Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at their own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language and communication. But they may be behind in another area, such as movement and physical development.

Milestones usually are grouped into five major areas: physical growth, cognitive development, emotional and social development, language and communication development, and movement and physical development.

Physical growth

Most children by age 5:

• Have gained about 4.4 lb (2 kg) and grown 1.5 in. (4 cm) to 2 in. (5 cm) since their fourth birthday.

Go to www.cdc.gov/growthcharts to see the high and low percentiles for normal weight and growth.

Cognitive development (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Most children by age 5:

• Count to 10.
• Name some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them.
• Use words about time, like "today," "tomorrow," "morning," or "night."
• Pay attention for 5 to 10 minutes during activities.
• Write some letters of their name.
• Name some letters when you point to the letter.

Emotional and social development

Most children by age 5:

• Follow rules or takes turns when playing with other children.
• Sing, dance, or act for you.
• Do simple chores at home.

Language and communication development

Most children by age 5:

• Tell a story they heard or made up with at least two events. For example, a dog got lost and a child helped find it.
• Answer simple questions about a book or story after you read it or tell it to them.
• Keep a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges.
• Use or recognize simple rhymes, like rat-cat or tall-fall.

Movement and physical development

Most children by age 5:

• Button some buttons.
• Hop on one foot.