Cognitive Development Milestones for 3-5-Year-Olds

During the preschool period, your child goes through several developmental milestones, including cognitive abilities. During this time, children learn about symbols and advanced play, while also focusing on single thoughts and enhancing their memory skills.

Here are the cognitive milestones that your child should meet.

Memory

Memory or the ability to store and retrieve information starts developing at age 3. Usually, younger children can recognize more than retrieving information and can often recall faster if they participated in the event. Imagery truly helps, therefore puzzles and picture books are great tools. 

Critical thinking and problem solving

This could be something as simple as tying their shoelaces on their own or asking for water when it’s over in their cup. A child’s ability to solve problems is a vital cognitive milestone between 3-5 years old. 

Focus and concentration

While children below 3 are easily distracted by the world around them, from 3-5 they tend to focus more on one thing at a time. They also engage in more advanced and lengthy play and better imagination within the play. 

Using Symbols 

Between the ages of 3-5 years old, children use symbols the most, all the way from letters representing an image or picture to placing an X on a treasure map. They are able to decipher the meaning of these symbols and use them for play as well. 

If your child is having difficulty reaching these milestones, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Neuropedia. Call 04 343 1113 to book an appointment.