5 years

• Skips using alternate feet.
• Catches large balls.
• Walks backwards toe to heel.
• Climbs well and runs easily.
• Walks up and down the stairs, one foot on each step.
• Can do somersault.
• Uses a spoon to eat.
• Can use the toilet on his/her own.

• Dresses alone.
• Counts up to 10 objects.
• Copies familiar shapes (squares, circles, triangles) with pencil or crayons.
• Puts objects behind, in front of, under, back etc.
• Plays make-believe with dolls, animals and people.
• Does puzzles with 3 or 4 pieces.
• Turns book pages one at a time.
• Opens and closes or turns door handles.
• Counts 10 or more things.
• Can draw a person with at least a few body parts.
• Knows about things used everyday, like money and food.

• Speaks clearly in simple sentences
• Can name most familiar things.
• Understands words like 'in', 'on' and 'under'.
• Says first name, age and sex.
• Names a friend.
• Says words like 'I', 'me', 'we', and 'you, and some plurals (cars, dogs, cats etc)
• Speaks very clearly for strangers to understand most of the time.
• Tells a simple story using full sentences.
• Uses future tense, for example: "Grandma will be here."

• Likes playing with adults or older children.
• Copies adults and friends.
• Shows affection for friends and wants to please friends.
• Takes turns in games.
• Shows concern for a crying friend.
• Understands the idea of 'mine', 'his' or 'hers'.
• Shows a wide range of emotions.
• Separates easily from mom and dad.
• Dresses and undresses self.
• Likes to sing, dance and act.
• Shows more independence (like visiting a next-door neighbor by his/herself (adult supervision is still needed)

• Play with the child in ways that allow for his/her physical development (e.g. organizing activities where the child has to walk, run etc)
• Expose the young child to new sights, smells and sounds.
• Teach the child stories, songs and games.

• Praise the child and support him/her by holding his/her hand as he/she learns to walk.
• Maintain eye contact with the child while talking to and feeding the child.
• Communicate with the child (e.g. talk/sing regularly to the child, talk about pictures, read books, answer questions, praise the child etc.) including when feeding and encourage him/her to talk.
• Cuddle, hug and kiss the child to express affection.
• Talk about pictures or books.

Download the full list of Developmental Milestones