PHYSICAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FROM FOUR TO SIX

By: Cassidy Pannell and Haylee Hazel

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

Average yearly increase in height is 2 ½ to 3 inches

Most children gain about 4 to 5 pounds from ages four to six

Boys are often slightly taller and heavier than girls

PROPORTION AND POSTURE

Body becomes straighter and slimmer

Shoulders widen and are held more erect

Neck becomes longer and legs lengthen rapidly

Balance and coordination improve

TEETH

Begin to lose their primary teeth at age 5

The six-year old molars are the first permanent teeth

Primary teeth are lost in the same order they came in

MOTOR SKILLS

4 years- learn to lace shoes, dresses and undresses their self, throws overhand with body control, gallops and hops, jumps forward as well as in place.

5 years- Ties shoelaces, draws recognizable person, skillfully picks up small items, stands and balances on tiptoe for short period and skips, alternating feet, buttons, snaps and zips their clothing.

6 years- builds block towers to shoulder height, cuts pastes molds and colors skillfully, writes entire words, throws and catches ball with more ease and accuracy, rides a bicycle.