3-5 YEARS

• Strings items like large beads/macaroni.

• Puts on some clothes by self.

• Uses a fork.

• Catches large ball most of time.

• Serves self food or pours water (with supervision).

• Unbuttons some buttons.

• Holds crayon/pencil between fingers/thumb (not fist).

• Buttons some buttons.

• Hops on one foot.

• Climbs stairs alternating feet.

• Balances on one foot longer.

• Rides tricycle smoothly, pedaling.

• Jumps forward.

• Draws recognizable shapes.

• Cuts with safety scissors.

• Dresses/undresses with minimal help.

• Kicks ball with aim.

• Throws ball overhand.

• Hops on one foot for a few seconds.

• Walks backward.

• Stands on tiptoes.

• Pretends to be something else in play.

• Asks to play with children if none around.

• Comforts hurt/sad others.

• Avoids danger (no jumping from heights).

• Likes to be a “helper”.

• Changes behavior based on setting.

• Follows rules/takes turns in games.

• Sings, dances, acts for you.

• Does simple chores at home.

• Shows empathy more consistently.

• Forms friendships.

• Shares and takes turns with guidance.

• Understands basic rules in games.

• Expresses pride in accomplishments.

• Shows concern for friends.

• Plays cooperatively in groups.

• Manages frustration with help.

• Begins to understand and talk about their own feelings with support 

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• Names a few colors.

• Tells what comes next in well-known story.

• Draws person with 3+ body parts.

• Counts to 10.

• Names numbers between 1-5 when pointed.

• Uses time words (“yesterday”, “tomorrow”).

• Pays attention 5-10 minutes.

• Writes some letters in name.

• Names some letters when pointed.

• Follows rules in games.

• Avoids touching hot objects.

• Draws a circle.

• Counts to 5 or recognizes letters.

• Solves simple puzzles.

• Understands time concepts (“later”).

• Sorts by multiple attributes (color, size).

• Engages in complex pretend play.

• Uses things to pretend.

• Names days of week.

• Recognizes patterns.

• Completes 10-piece puzzle.

• Says sentences with 4+ words.

• Says words from song/story/rhyme.

• Says what action in a picture, like "running" or "eating."

• Says first name when asked.

• Talks well enough for strangers to understand most of the time

• Talks about one thing from day.

• Answers simple questions (“What is a coat for?”).

• Counts to 10.

• Keeps conversation going 3+ exchanges.

• Uses/recognizes simple rhymes.

• Speaks in full sentences.

• Tells simple stories/describes events.

• Asks “why/how/where” questions.

• Uses questions to clarify understanding.

• Engages in longer conversations.

• Names most common objects.

• Uses past tense correctly.

• Tells a longer story with help.

• Understands opposites (big/small).

• Follows 3-step instructions.