7 Essential Growth Milestones for Preschoolers
Here Are The 7 Essential Growth Milestones for Preschoolers
1. Tell a simple tale
It’s a great sign that your child is ready for preschool when they can use language to explain what happened today at the park or how “the dog left the bathroom faucet on.”
Peggy Albers, Professor of Language and Literacy Education at the Conversation, said: “Stories are not just about developing children’s literacy. They convey values, beliefs and attitudes, which in turn shape children’s perceptions and reality.”
A tip to encourage storytelling:
Ask your child to tell you the best thing that has happened today. Ask your child many questions to help them bring their story alive and develop their language. Make it a habit.
2. Play simple games
Playing together with others, whether in groups or one-on-one, allows children to learn social and emotional skills and develop the ability to nurture relationships. This type of play makes children feel better about themselves and offers more structured opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, communication, and negotiation.
A tip to learn through games:
Play a simple I Spy together. You can spy by colour, shape, or letter sound. Be sure to show good sportsmanship when you play, guess, and encourage each other.

3. Understanding simple sequences
Everyday life is filled with patterns that help us to navigate our time, our tasks and our daily schedule. Routines are loved by children and they can predict the day if you observe them. Routines help you prepare your child for school and make them feel more secure when they move from home to childcare.
Tip for finding order in your day:
Write down the patterns and tasks that your child does each day, and include pictures to help them remember. You can use this to help your child feel more prepared and at ease by framing their preschool or kindergarten day familiarly.
4. Hold the pencil between your thumb and finger
Around preschool age, kids start to learn how to hold a pencil or crayon correctly. It can take a while to master the correct grip. This might not happen until early primary school. However, children will begin to draw and write more carefully as they become more proficient.
A tip to develop a pencil grip:
Give your child age-appropriate drawing materials to help them improve their grip. Crayons that are cut into one-inch lengths will help your child to grip with more precision.
Fine motor skills can be developed through other activities such as playing with LEGOs, mixing ingredients in bowls and sorting out beans into jars.
5. Turn the pages in a book
According to research, the gift of storytelling is best given at a young age. They can learn new things, go on exciting adventures, and make sense of the world around them. Reading together can spark imaginations in children, provide opportunities to explore new ideas and be a cozy way to spend time with them.
A tip to promote a love for books:
You can borrow age-appropriate children’s books from the library. Let your child choose the book and the plot, and then let them turn the pages. You can start with board books for the very young and then progress to smaller storybooks as they grow. The earlier you begin, the better.

6. Colours and shapes can be recognized
Your child doesn’t need to be familiar with all the colours and shapes before they start preschool. However, having a basic understanding of them will give them a good head start. Colours and shapes are helpful to children in categorising visual information, spotting patterns, and making connections between objects. Your preschooler will benefit from a little knowledge.
A tip to help you learn colours and shapes:
When you are out together, look for colours and shapes. On your way to the store, spend the day pointing to “everything” in red. As you walk towards the park, note all the “round objects” that you come across.
7. Counting with Meaning
Children will learn to count accurately to ten at different rates. The children will learn at their own pace and when they are developmentally ready. Understanding the basics of numeracy is important (and so is counting socks!) Another step in preparing for preschool is to understand the basics of numeracy (and counting socks!
A tip to teach numbers:
Count together in fun ways as you go through your day. How many socks do you have in your laundry basket? How many eggs are in this cake? Your child will develop early numeracy skills by letting everyday life be your “lessons”.
Children develop and grow in unique ways. They also have different strengths. We want to celebrate every little learner, no matter what their pace is. And we are grateful for the simple, brilliant truths that they teach parents and caregivers.

Preschooler Growth & Development
Your child’s world will start to expand as he grows up. He will be more independent, and pay attention to children and adults outside the family. He will be curious and want to know more about his environment. His interaction with his family and others will shape his personality, and the way he thinks and moves. *
How to support your child’s learning process?
Continue reading to your child. Take her to the bookstore or library and encourage her love of books. Let your child assist with simple tasks.
Speak to your child in full sentences and “adult” language. Encourage her to use the correct words and phrases.
Discipline your child with clarity and consistency. Model the behaviour you want.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
The developmental milestones of children and infants can be physical or behavioural. Developmental milestones include crawling, walking, and talking. They provide valuable information about your child’s development.
Each age group has different milestones. These milestones are behaviours that emerge over time and form the building blocks of growth and learning. Some of the categories include:
- Cognition: Reasoning, problem-solving, understanding, and thinking.
- Motor coordination: Gross/fine-motor skills, jumping and hopping, throwing/catching/drawing, stacking
- Social interaction: Initiating peer contact, group play
- Adaptive: Dressing up, eating, washing
Your child’s CHOP pediatrician will discuss your child’s developmental milestones at well-visits. However, if there are any concerns, please contact your pediatrician.
Don’t worry if your child follows a different path. Children grow at their rate. Some children will skip milestones while others may take longer. Your CHOP provider can help you determine if your child is having delays.

The Benefits of Preschooler Education
The benefits of preschool extend to adulthood. Preschool helps with social and psychological development. Your child will learn about sharing and taking turns in preschool. The students also learn empathy and emotional regulation. This will help your child prepare for kindergarten. Even part-time Pre-K programs can help your child adjust to the classroom and school environment, and ease the transition into kindergarten.
Preschool not only helps your child to develop socially, emotionally and physically but also allows them to play. Preschool promotes exploration and fine motor development through cooperative play.
Consider these factors when deciding whether or not to send your child to preschool.
Playing with other children is something that your child may enjoy. Your child will learn to share and take turns in preschool, but also how to sit with others quietly during storytime or naptime. Try to reinforce the concepts at home with your child before they start school.
Preschoolers are learning the skills that were taught in kindergarten. The children who do not have the opportunity to experience a preschool environment are not necessarily unprepared for elementary school. However, most parents and teachers agree that enrolling their children in a quality preschool program will give them an edge in social readiness and academic skills.
The Importance of Preschool
Our preschool teachers invest personally in each student to ensure that your child gets a holistic development foundation that will prepare him or her for the next step in their life.
The brain of a child develops faster and more dramatically over the years.
It is, therefore, a wise investment to supplement your parenting at home with the support of an expert preschool teacher, as well as allow your child to interact with other preschoolers.
Conclusion
The preschool years are crucial for your child’s development. They lay the foundations for their academic and social success. Preschool provides a structured setting where children can learn new skills, such as problem-solving, communication and how to interact with their peers. During their formative years, they reach important milestones, such as mastering basic math concepts and expanding their vocabulary. They also develop fine and gross motor abilities. Preschool helps your child develop a love of learning, boost their confidence, and build emotional resilience.