Ages and Stages: Kindergarten

Here you can learn about the "typical" five-year-old. Maybe this will help with the transition from preschool to Kindergarten!

Brought to you by the American School Counselor Association

Is your five-year-old on track? Below are some general development milestones to help you understand your child's progress over the school year. Keep in mind that every child is different and may not fit perfectly into this framework.

Where They Are

The average five-year-old is good, helpful, and conforming. He:

• Attempts only things he knows he can do.
• Needs attention, affection, and praise.
• Is energetic and fidgety.
• Has a short attention span.
• May show opposite extremes of behavior.
• May become less well-behaved as the school year progresses.

Where They're Going
School isn't just academics: Your child's teachers are also helping her grow socially. At five-years-old, your child is learning to understand herself. You can help by encouraging her as she:

• Develops a positive, realistic self-image.
• Learns to respect herself.
• Begins to understand her own uniqueness.
• Gains awareness of her feelings.
• Learns to express feelings.
• Learns how to participate in groups.
• Begins to learn from her mistakes.

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