Development at 64 Months
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Activity 1
Age Appropriate Cognitive Development
Understands Logical Instructions
 I can remember at least 3 familiar instructions you tell me in sequence. When you tell me "stand up, turn around, sit down and touch your nose", I will be able to do the actions immediately after you have finished. Create for me an environment that is free from distractions so that I can concentrate on this game. I can do this between 60 and 72 months (5 and 6 years). |
Steps
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Play a game of "Follow what I say".
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Provide one familiar instruction (e.g. jump up high) at first.
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Explain to the child that he can only start to perform the instruction after he has heard you say the instruction.
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Increase the number of instructions after 2/3 rounds when your child knows how to play the game.
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Have a maximum of 3 short familiar instructions (e.g. scratch your hair, walk to the door and take your bag).
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Observe your child's ability to remember and act upon the sequence of verbal instructions he has heard.
Feedback
Your child's successful responses in this activity show excellent listening skills as well as efficient memory strategies to follow 3 step instructions successfully. He is developing along in his attention skills to achieve this as well. The ability to follow 3 steps of familiar instructions usually develops between 5 and 6 years.
Take a look at some suggested activities to further encourage this skill.
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Play clapping games to practice auditory attention. Clap your hands with different beats and rhythms (e.g. clap, clap-clap-clap, clap). Let your child listen and then let him clap the exact beats and rhythm. Praise him for his efforts.
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Play a physical game using listening skills. Draw numbers 1,2,3,4 with a chalk on the floor in a cross shape. Your child has to listen to your sequence of numbers (e.g. 2,4,3,2) and then jump with both feet on each square in sequence. Praise him for his efforts.
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Play recall games with word phrases, e.g. The cat ate the fish. Increase the number of words in a sentence if your child is successful. Make this fun not tedious.
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Play a treasure hunt in the house. In order to get the next clue, the child has to listen and perform a sequence of commands (starting from 3 commands first). Have actions that will get your child to run around the house (e.g. run to the bathroom, tap the door 3 times, and look at the bottom of the door).
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Incorporate familiar instructions into daily routines, e.g. take off your socks and keep your shoes nicely.
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If you notice that your child might have some difficulties, start at the child's level which is successful for him, e.g. if he is listening to 1 familiar instruction, start with 1 and then increase to listening to 2 instructions. Do not be anxious to jump to 3 instructions.
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Activity 2
Age Appropriate Social Development
Able To Tell Birth Date
 I can tell you the month and day of my birthday when you ask me. These are important social information I can provide about myself when someone asks me. People do ask me about my name, age and birth dates frequently. So learning to answer these questions are part and parcel of being able to conduct myself in simple conversations. I can tell the month and day of my birth between 64 and 72 months (5 years 4 months and 6 years). |
Steps
Feedback
It is wonderful for your child to know that his birthdate is special. He remembers his birthdate and is able to provide this piece of social information when asked. He is really learning to be a social individual in this world. Encourage your child to asks others what their birthdays are in simple conversations.
Take a look at the suggestions for more ideas with this activity.
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Pretend play with your child. Let him practice answering questions like "What is your name?", "How old are you?", "When is your birthday?", “What is your father and mother's name?" in role play situations. Then ask your friends to help him practice by asking these questions.
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Help your child remember his birthday, by marking it down on a calendar. Stick his photo on the month and date with a birthday cake. Count down closer to the date.
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