Reference
Developmental milestones, ages 3 to 7.
What is commonly expected around each age in language, movement and getting along with others.
A general reference, not a checklist or an assessment. Every child develops at their own pace, and a single item not yet in place means very little on its own. If a pattern has been worrying you for a while, talk to your child’s teacher or doctor — or, if it is reading, writing or spelling, an assessment can give you a clearer picture.
3 to 4 years
Language and communication
- Speaks in short sentences that strangers can mostly understand.
- Asks simple questions like "why?" and "what's that?"
- Follows two-step instructions ("pick up the ball and bring it here").
Motor skills
- Runs, climbs, and pedals a tricycle.
- Holds a crayon and can draw simple shapes like circles.
- Can build a small tower of blocks.
Social and emotional
- Plays alongside other children and starts joining in shared play.
- Shows a wider range of emotions and starts naming some feelings.
- Can separate from a parent for short periods with some reassurance.
4 to 5 years
Language and communication
- Tells simple stories and describes recent events.
- Uses longer, more grammatically complete sentences.
- Understands and follows three-step instructions.
Motor skills
- Hops, skips, and can catch a bounced ball most of the time.
- Draws recognisable shapes, like a person with a few body parts.
- Starts using scissors with some control.
Social and emotional
- Plays cooperatively with other children, including taking turns.
- Shows awareness of rules in simple games.
- Can express wants and frustrations with words more than actions.
5 to 6 years
Language and communication
- Speaks clearly and can be understood by unfamiliar listeners.
- Starts recognising familiar letters and may attempt to write their name.
- Retells a short story in the right order.
Motor skills
- Can hop on one foot and balance briefly.
- Copies simple shapes and starts forming letters.
- Uses cutlery and gets dressed with little help.
Social and emotional
- Shows interest in fairness and rules during games.
- Forms preferred friendships and enjoys group play.
- Manages most everyday frustrations without a big emotional reaction.
6 to 7 years
Language and communication
- Reads simple sentences and enjoys being read to.
- Uses more complex sentences to explain ideas or ask questions.
- Can hold a short back-and-forth conversation on a topic.
Motor skills
- Writes letters and short words with reasonably consistent form.
- Has good balance and coordination for running games and simple sports.
- Manages buttons, zips and shoelaces with practice.
Social and emotional
- Understands and follows classroom-style routines and rules.
- Starts to compare themselves with peers and can be sensitive to that.
- Can talk through a disagreement instead of only reacting emotionally.