Developmental Checklist: 5-6 years

Please note that this compilation of skills is meant to serve as a guide only. Each child is unique and will progress at different rates based on their abilities.  Use the time constraints of this information as a guideline only.  If you feel that your child is deviating significantly from these skills, please consult your Pediatrician. If your child is already enrolled in therapy and you have questions, concerns or need further clarification, please contact your child’s therapist.

Gross Motor Skills

  • Very active, in almost constant motion
  • Jumps rope
  • Skates
  • Bounces tennis ball with hands
  • Begins and maintains motion on a swing
  • Hits ball with bat
  • Jumps from 12 inch height and lands on balls of feet
  • Rides bicycle

Fine Motor Skills

  • Uses pencil sharpener
  • Colors, remaining in the lines
  • Hits nail with hammer
  • Copies small letters
  • Cuts out complex pictures
  • Touches thumb to each finger
  • Prints numbers 1-5
  • Has adult grasp on pencil
  • Cuts cloth with scissors

Visual/Perceptual

  • Creates own activity with new objects
  • Makes visual discrimination, matches letters that look very similar
  • Scans horizontal line of objects left to right (reading)
  • Locates dominant object in multi-visual field
  • Makes judgement in size, length and distance
  • Identifies missing parts of picture

Language/Communication

  • Puts together and tells 3-5 sentence story
  • Uses new and unfamiliar words
  • Defines words
  • Tells daily experiences

Social/Emotional

  • Cooperates in group games with loose rules
  • Protects other children and animals
  • Tries again when change or disappointment occurs
  • Offers help to others without being told
  • Plays simple table games

Self Help Skills

  • Pours liquid cup to cup without spilling
  • Ties shoes
  • Covers mouth when sneezing
  • Cuts with knife and fork
  • Cuts own nails on hand
  • Remembers to wash hands after toileting
  • Blows nose independently