what does a 4 year old know?

[Shy_Dia]

I know that kids progress at different ages, but I want to see what some 4 year olds know.

Example: can they tie their shoes? know the weeks of the day/months of the year? spell their name? recite address, parents name and telephone number? etc. even "simple" things like knowing colors.

basically- i want to know what i should focus on teaching my son for 2010 (i am making my new years resolution and part of it, is seeing what i can teach my son). i know that kids progress at different ages, but now that he's outta daycare, he wont be getting that "teacher/student" thing, so i want to step in and teach what needs to be taught.... but i am at a loss on what to teach/focus on.

[BethPrice1345]

I'm not sure at 4 b/c mine is only 1, but you can google preschool cirriculum or something to that affect and you can buy lesson plans/idea on what and how to teach your child.

[doulala]

Quoting Shy_Dia:

I know that kids progress at different ages, but I want to see what some 4 year olds know.

Example: can they tie their shoes?     not even close, lol

know the weeks of the day/months of the year?     knows some names, not in order for either

spell their name?  yes, first name only

recite address, parents name and telephone number? etc.    Parent's names only

even "simple" things like knowing colors.   definitely knows her colors

basically- i want to know what i should focus on teaching my son for 2010 (i am making my new years resolution and part of it, is seeing what i can teach my son). i know that kids progress at different ages, but now that he's outta daycare, he wont be getting that "teacher/student" thing, so i want to step in and teach what needs to be taught.... but i am at a loss on what to teach/focus on.

I don't really subscribe to sitting down and teaching children this stuff.   I prefer to lead adventures and describe what I see, ask what she sees, guide in some things, just listen in other ways.

I have been a preschool teacher and now work (sub) in Kindergarten and 2nd grade sometimes.   I strongly believe in Waldorf methods and would recommend checking that out.    Waldorf is so gentle, compassionate, and empowering!   ;-D

[Chrystal_A]

My son will be 4 in 3 months he knows:

colors,shapes,counting,address,every family members full name,and alphabet!

[imechard]

I am really not teaching my children any 'curriculum', they will have enough time to pick that up at school when the time is there. My children are intelligent and enthousiastic for learning, so they pick things up here and there, but I do not sit down with them and do flash cards. I do not believe that it is an effective manner for children to learn, especially not at this age. I believe that children learn best through trial and error, through experiences and activities. Basically natural curiosity.

My almost four year old knows: most of the alphabet and recognizes and sounds out some letters. Like he will know which letters are in his name and which letters are also in my name. He knows everybody's full name and part of our address, the name of the street and the city we live in. He knows all his basic colors and some more fancy colors, like teal and hot pink! He can count until 20, when identifying pictures, though he sometimes loses track of where he was. He can add numbers of objects, like four apples and five apples, but does not always recognizes numbers accurately. He can not tie his shoes, but can put on his coat and dress himself, as long as there are no complicated buttons on his clothes.

[littleluvkitty]

my four year old can read but he will be five next month. he has been reading now for a few months. just the basic sight words. he learned from his older brother. he also adds and subtracts and can count in spanish. thanks dora lol

[SillyMama951]

I agree.  My son is only one, but it sounds like she knows what she is talking about! :]

Quoting doulala:

Quoting Shy_Dia:

I know that kids progress at different ages, but I want to see what some 4 year olds know.

Example: can they tie their shoes?     not even close, lol

know the weeks of the day/months of the year?     knows some names, not in order for either

spell their name?  yes, first name only

recite address, parents name and telephone number? etc.    Parent's names only

even "simple" things like knowing colors.   definitely knows her colors

basically- i want to know what i should focus on teaching my son for 2010 (i am making my new years resolution and part of it, is seeing what i can teach my son). i know that kids progress at different ages, but now that he's outta daycare, he wont be getting that "teacher/student" thing, so i want to step in and teach what needs to be taught.... but i am at a loss on what to teach/focus on.

I don't really subscribe to sitting down and teaching children this stuff.   I prefer to lead adventures and describe what I see, ask what she sees, guide in some things, just listen in other ways.

I have been a preschool teacher and now work (sub) in Kindergarten and 2nd grade sometimes.   I strongly believe in Waldorf methods and would recommend checking that out.    Waldorf is so gentle, compassionate, and empowering!   ;-D

[MomX04]

Quoting Chrystal_A:

My son will be 4 in 3 months he knows:

colors,shapes,counting,address,every family members full name,and alphabet!

same here but in 2 months and he can read very well, over my shoulder, labels, boxes, bottles, if it sits still he can read it, which isn't always a good thing if I'm on this site and he comes up behind me LOL.

[madmomof5]

my 4 y/o ds can burp a few letters of the alphabet and can (mostly) hit the toilet when he is aiming from the bathroom door...before you ask...yes, we are so proud! 

[rosefairy79]

Well my son is 4 and will be 5 in January.He can count past 30, all alphabet letters, get dressed by himself with little help.can spell his name and almost write it.He traces mostly.

He can recite his address and knows 911.He can almost put his socks on by himself. There are lots  of things he can do but he's also in preschool so that helps alot.

Every kid learns at their own pace.Don't rush things.

Anyways take care and have a great rest of the week.

[flipper_28]

Quoting madmomof5:

my 4 y/o ds can burp a few letters of the alphabet and can (mostly) hit the toilet when he is aiming from the bathroom door...before you ask...yes, we are so proud! 

i am sooo sorry but that is just funny...lol.....ok my dd is four and started pre-k this year. she knew her shapes, colors, could count to 20 knew her full name and our names, alphabet....now she counts to 100, writes her full name, knows her address and phone number. various other things she picked up along the way....don't fret it mama, what he doesn't know he will pick up.