Your Pre-Kindergartner
Creative Arts
You always knew there was an artist in the family. At this age, she may well be acting out dramatic scenes, pretending to be all kinds of fabulous characters, and even seeing art in the everyday world around her.
While she may not be quite ready to sketch a realistic portrait of the family dog, her skills are progressing quickly. The colors and shapes in other artworks are probably catching her eye, and she could even be starting to use them in her own art.
Music, too, is increasingly important in her world. Soon she’ll be ready to memorize short songs to sing and keep a steady beat. For now, though, it’s more about responding to what she likes and what gets her body moving.
That movement is also getting more purposeful, as her dance skills improve. Now she’s choosing moves that show what she’s feeling or thinking – and she doesn’t necessarily need there to be any music playing.
She’s on a path to enjoy and engage in all kinds of art for years to come.
Ring in the New Year
I Like Music – Especially Mine!
By now, your child has heard music in lots of places—whether it’s tunes on the radio or silly songs from the people in his life. Now, he can sing some on his own! He can also make up new rhythms with “instruments,” whether it’s a real drum set or just your pots and pans. His creativity is coming out through his voice, and through all the wonderful other noises he can now create.
I’ll Show You How I Feel.
Since she was a baby, your child has moved to the music. Now she can express herself through movement – even if no song is playing. Because she knows how to say “I’m excited” or “I’m sad” with her body, her feelings can come through with no words at all.
My Art is A Story!
Now that he can stick with a drawing or model a little longer, your child’s visual art is becoming more complex. He can also cooperate with others to turn his ideas into lines, shapes and colors. Celebrate what he makes, even if it’s sometimes hard to make out (“Does this dog have wings?”), and set aside some wall space for a growing gallery of work!
I Can Be Anybody.
Your child is likely to be using role-play to act out the stories in her head. Whether she’s acting as part of a daring rescue mission or even just imitating a household pet, her characters are getting into some great adventures.
All children learn and grow at their own pace and in their own way. For more information about the skills and milestones for your child's age check out our developmental milestones resource page. If you continue to have concerns or questions please give us a call at 1-800-299-1627.