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51 To 54 Months - Your Child Learns Through Hands-on Experiences

You can help your child learn and develop self-expression by providing time, space and materials for activities. He will learn more from his senses and his own actions than from being told. Let him use sheets and furniture to build forts and spaceships for all his play friends.

SAFETY FIRST

Teach your child how to dial 911 for emergencies.

Teach him not to accept rides with, or even talk to strangers.  Instruct him not to go anywhere with an adult he does not know well.

Buckle your child in the back seat of the car when you go for a ride -- even for short trips. Use a booster seat until he weighs 80 pounds and his head is above the back of the seat.

If you have firearms in your home, make sure they are unloaded and locked away from children.

Do not leave him unattended in a public place.

Give him practice in self-protection -- act out "home fire drills." 

Talk about what to say and do in different kinds of situations and in emergencies.

Teach your child that policemen are his friends.911

Things Your Child May Do At This Age

Perform self-help skills like: brushing teeth, combing hair and washing hands

Copy the letter "T"

Make a few other letters

Use a knife and fork

Make shapes with clay

Use "forbidden" (swear) words learned from what he hears (TV, vidoes, adults, other children)

Know his own sex

Have a longer attention span

May listen for up to 20 minutes at a time

Recite a few nursery rhymes from memory

Snacks That Are Good To Eat And Good For You!

  • Tomato slices
  • Pineapple
  • Grapes
  • Melons
  • Pickles
  • Carrot Sticks
  • Cheese Chunks
  • Hot Air Popcorn
  • Orange Wedges
  • Unsalted Peanuts
  • Dry Cereals
  • Strawberries
  • Bananas
  • Peaches
  • Apples
  • Pears

Health Hints

Regular medical checkups help keep your child well.

Immunizations prevent many contagious diseases.

Check nutritional information on food packages.

Beware of toaster pop and granola bar breakfasts. They are usually high in sugar.

Check cereal boxes to find a cereal your child likes to eat that is also low in sugar.

Be sure your child washes her hands before eating and after using the bathroom.

Things You Can Do Everyday To Help Your Child Grow

Help your child learn to group objects that are alike.  Help him give that group a name. For example: put out grapes, a banana, an apple and a cereal box. Ask him to put all the things that are alike together and to tell you why they are alike. (The most common answer is "fruit" but do not be surprised if your child gives you another answer. If his answer makes sense, praise him and then show him other ways the objects are alike.)

Listen to your child's answers to questions.  Respond to your child with a positive remark that relates to what he said.

Encourage your child to play outside and get plenty of exercise.

Read to your child about foods that help him to grow strong.

If you are in the car or on a bus, point out colors, letters or numbers on the signs. Make it a game and ask your child to find a certain color or a certain letter.

Help your child learn his whole name by repeating it with him.  Make it fun.  Put it to rhythm by clapping your hands, snapping your fingers or stomping your feet when you say each part of his name. First, do it together; then let him do the movement as he says his name.

Take your child to the library and sign him up for a library card.  Let him look at the books and choose one to take home.