Changes in the development and learning of four-year-olds

When the child turns four years old, what changes occur in his development and learning? We tell you what a four-year-old learns from the sensory, cognitive, language and affective point of view and how you can accompany him in this process.

When a boy or a girl reaches the age of four there is a change in their physical and mental development. Your body grows, of course, but so does your mind as it prepares to do new things and expand the knowledge it had until now. If we observe the sensory, cognitive, language and affective plane, we will realize that the things that your 4-year-old son is going to learn are not few.

Look...

• Learning of a child from the point of view of sensory and motor development
• How is the language development of a four-year-old boy or girl?
• What happens in the cognitive area?
• Development in the emotional affective plane of a four-year-old child

Learning of a child from the point of view of sensory and motor development

Although it is true that most children are governed by a series of common patterns, for example, after one year they begin to walk, it should be noted that, of course, each child has their own pace of learning and development. In this way, one child may have a good grip on the pencil before the age of four, and another may need much more time to do so. No need to worry! The important thing is to allow it to grow at its own pace.

At this age they have the ability or ability to stand on one foot only, to jump with their feet together, or even to hoof. Encourage your little one to try and play as much as he wants because, in addition to having fun, it will be a great help to strengthen his muscles.

On the other hand, they gain in agility and that is noticeable, for example, when going up and down a few steps without having to lean on anything. In addition, they already have the necessary coordination ready to pedal a tricycle or a small bike, it will become their favorite sport!

Regarding autonomy, it is the perfect time to teach them simple habits such as dressing themselves, going to the bathroom without help or putting on and taking off their shoes.

Fine motor skills are also highly developed by the age of four. If you look closely, your child holds his pencils better, colors without slipping out and is even able to write a few letters. This is because his hand-eye coordination has improved tremendously.

How is the language development of a four-year-old boy or girl?

When it comes to language, surely you've noticed by now, they talk non-stop. Maybe he did it before, the difference is that now it is understood very clearly. Removing the complex words, the rest say them without difficulty.

Another characteristic of this stage is that children love to participate in older conversations. Don't be surprised when he answers in line with what you are talking about. Your vocabulary has expanded a lot! Also, they love listening to songs and having mom or dad read a story to them every day. Do not miss the opportunity to do it because it is the best age to awaken the taste for reading.

What happens in the cognitive area?

At the level of knowledge, we can say that the little one has gained a lot in terms of understanding their environment and the world in general. It has a greater control and already differentiates very exactly what is real from what is fiction.

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On the other hand, a 4-year-old child can easily understand simple instructions consisting of at least two commands. They will also find that they can hurt themselves, for example, by crossing the street alone, so they become more cautious.

The puzzles will be from their favorite games, because of the developed hand-eye coordination that we have said before and because now they do have the ability to see which piece goes in which place.

In turn, it should be noted that at this age, more or less, they begin to better understand the concept of time, whether it is day or night; They have clear guidelines such as that we go to sleep at night, that we have breakfast in the morning or that we do not go to school on the weekend.

Development in the emotional affective plane of a four-year-old child

Around the age of 4 they already know that even if mom or dad leave, they will return. Therefore, the need to always be by his side is not as great as in previous stages. However, as is logical, they still need the attachment of their parents as they are their main protectors and caregivers. They will want to do everything with you: homework, food, laundry...!

Emotionally speaking, the feelings are still on the surface. And although we already know how to call each one by name, it is often still a challenge to know how to act when they are angry or how to express happiness in a calm way if they are in a place where you cannot make noise.

They cooperate and play with other children, show affection towards their friends. Group play is becoming an important part of their day to day. They speak with adults without difficulty, but if they are afraid because they are strangers, they will show us that way.

To finish saying that at this stage children adore displays of affection towards their parents, therefore, hugs, kisses and cuddles will not be lacking every day. Make the most of it you can!