Grow Your Own Reader
Your 12- to 18-month old can probably...
- stack 2 blocks.
- old crayon and scribble, but with little control.
- wave bye-bye and clap hands.
- recognize self in mirror or pictures
- play peek-a-boo.
- become upset when separated from parent.
- say 8-20 words you can understand.
- enjoy being read to and held.
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Your 4-year old will probably...
- place objects in a line from largest to smallest.
- understand the order of daily routines.
- follow directions: "Put away your toy and get your coat on."
- repeat name, address, and phone number.
- take turns and share (most of the time).
- carry on elaborate conversations – persistently asking
"Why?"
- enjoy showing off and may be bossy with younger children.
- enjoy more elaborate pretend play, including longer picture books.
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Your 18- to 24-month old will usually...
- point to eyes, ears, or nose when asked.
- use 2-3 word sentences.
- listen to short rhymes or finger plays.
- enjoy singing familiar songs.
- begin to show signs of independence – saying "no" is
powerful!
- enjoy exploring and require constant supervision.
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Your 5-year old may...
- cut on a line with scissors.
- establish left or right hand dominance.
- trace or copy letters and numbers.
- say the alphabet and count to 10.
- understand time concepts like yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
- invent games with simple rules.
- fear loud noises, the dark, animals, and some people.
- be sensitive to the feelings of others.
- like to feel grown up.
- learn best through play and their own actions.
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Your 2-year old can probably...
- experiment by touching, smelling, and tasting.
- enjoy pushing, pulling, filling, and dumping.
- stack 2-4 objects.
- play alongside others more than with them.
- insist "I’ll do it myself" – especially if you are in
a hurry.
- enjoy simple make-believe like talking on the phone, or putting on a hat.
- enjoy simple stories, rhymes, and songs; turn pages of a book.
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Your 6-year old can...
- explain how things work or tell a story.
- begin to show interest in other times and places.
- tell jokes and play guessing games.
- help with cooking and science projects.
- be very social – friends are important.
- want to "win" and be "the best."
- be easily upset when hurt – but quickly comforted.
- learn best through discovery.
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Your 3-year old will usually...
- draw a circle and square, if taught.
- match an object to a picture and complete a simple puzzle, if taught.
- know basic colors – red, blue, yellow, green, black, white, brown,
purple & orange.
- understand "now, soon, and later."
- ask "who, what, where, and why" questions – constantly!
- talk in sentences of 3-5 words.
- tell simple stories from pictures or books.
- sing familiar songs.
- accept suggestions and follow simple directions.
- enjoy making others laugh and being silly.
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