This collection of student work is from Frank Keim's classes. He wants to share these works for others to use as an example of culturally-based curriculum and documentation. These documents have been OCR-scanned and are available for educational use only.
Preschoolers grow taller, leaner, and better coordinated. In general, boys are still slightly taller and heavier than girls.
The approximate change in height is from 35 - 37 inches to 46 inches (from 89 - 94 cm to 117cm). The approximate change in height is from 31 - 33 pounds to 45 pounds (from 14 - 15 kg to 20 kg).
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT*
3 YEARS
Large Muscle Improves overall coordination. Walks easily, with good, upright posture. Still has protruding abdomen, but body is lengthening. Likes to run and is able to stop suddenly and change direction. Adds swerving to running style and is able to maintain balance. Can walk across balance beam. Walks on tiptoes. Hops on both feet; may begin to hop on one foot. Jumps from height of 18 inches (46 cm) without assistance. Likes to try jumping from greater heights if assistance is given. Goes up stairs using alternate feet. May continue to use both feet on one step coming down stairs. Enjoys galloping, jumping, running, and walking to music. Is able to dance to fast tempo music. Is able to use pedal toys. Can throw ball and retain balance although aim is wild. Can catch ball if ball is thrown to land in arms; holds arms stationary in front of body and will not move them to reach ball. Can pound with lightweight hammer.
Small Muscle Has well defined pincer movement, but hand manupulation is still clumsy. Builds towers of blocks, but towers are crooked. Uses spoon and fork to feed self. Can pour liquid from a small pitcher with little spilling. Copies a circle and draws a straight line. Draws crosses, rectangles, and triangles. Strings large beads. Makes crude shapes with modeling clay. Is able to brush teeth but may need assistance. Is able to unbutton buttons and pull up large zippers.
4 YEARS
Large Muscle Further refines balance and coordination. Likes to whirl around, hang upside down, turns somersaults. Likes to run, turning corners quickly. Can hops several times in a row. Goes up and down stairs using alternate feet. Likes to jump, sometimes from dangerous heights. Is able to execute standing and running long jumps. Rides pedal toys, gaining speed with increased strength. May be able to ride bicycle with training wheels. Climbs jungle gym with greater speed and confidence. Plays on playground equipment such as slide and seesaw. Throws ball overhand, and may be able to catch ball with hands. Is able to dress self more easily.
Small Muscle Further refines dexterity of hands and fingers. Builds straight towers of blocks with steady hands, but in the effort to be precise, he or she may knock down existing tower. Is able to use spoon and fork and may try to use knife. Laces shoes and wants to learn to make knots. Cuts on line with rounded-end scissors. When drawing, adds lines to body shapes to represent arms and legs. Brushes teeth, combs hair, and washes hands. Is able to follow finger plays and do them with assistance. Makes crude shapes with modeling clay. Enjoys finger painting.
5 YEARS
Large Muscle Performs physical activities more gracefully and with less wasted motion. Likes to climb and play on jungle gym and other outdoor play equipment. Can run faster, turning corners with ease and stopping suddenly. Can hop on alternate feet in skipping motion. Can skip and may be able to jump rope. Enjoys competitive physical games. Enjoys racing with other children or with parents. May design simple obstacle courses. Rides bicycles with training wheels. Can walk along a straight line drawn on the ground. Can descend ladder, alternating feet easily. Can throw ball overhand using body weight to protect the ball; aim is improving. Can catch a ball.
Small Muscle Shows great improvement in eye-hand coordination. Uses spoon, fork, and knife to eat. Builds buildings and bridges in addition to towers. Places small toys, such as soldiers or animals, in position with precision. Laces shoes and may be able to tie shoes. Decides what to draw and then draws it. Completes simple jigsaw puzzles. Does simple finger plays. Can fasten large buttons and work large zippers. Is able to copy designs and numbers. May enjoy playing with child-sized tools. Has definitely established handedness.
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This collection of student work is from Frank Keim's classes. He wants to share these works for others to use as an example of culturally-based curriculum and documentation. These documents have been OCR-scanned and are available for educational use only.
