Milestones (5-6 years)

This is only a guide; your child may hit this milestones earlier or later than her peers. If you are worried about her development, contact your health professional.

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By Age 5

Most children:

  • Have gained about 2 kg and grown 4 to 5 cm since turning four
  • Can hop on one foot and possibly skip
  • Can dress and undress themselves
  • Know their address and phone number
  • Know most letters of the alphabet
  • Can count to 10
  • Understand basic concepts of time

By Age 6

Most children:

  • Show a significant increase in muscle mass and their bodies may appear lanky because of rapid growth
  • Will be starting to replace their baby teeth with permanent ones
  • Recognise some words by sight, and may attempt to sound out others
  • Enjoy vigorous running, jumping, climbing and throwing
  • Can tie their shoe laces
  • Develop an increasing ability to concentrate and pay attention
  • Talk a lot and love telling jokes and riddles
  • Use language rather than tantrums or physical aggression to express displeasure
  • May be increasingly fearful of the unknown like things in the dark, strange noises and animals