Witnessing your child’s milestones is like cheering them on as they reach new heights. With each joyful leap, parents want to understand their child’s journey even better, especially when it comes to what they can expect for the physical development of 5 year olds. No need to worry; we’ve got you covered! This guide will provide clarity on what to expect for neurodivergent kids during this stage, brimming with activities and strategies to nurture their growth and development.
Table of Contents
Mastering the Dance of Movement: Gross Motor Skills for 5 Year Olds
Gross motor skills involve whole-body movements that require strength, balance, and coordination. For most kids, reaching the 5-year-old mark means they’ve made progress in several of these milestones. However, these milestones for neurodivergent kids might look different—and that’s okay.
Here’s a list of some typical gross motor milestones you might see at this stage:
- Running and jumping with ease
- Hopping on one foot and switching to the other
- Adeptly climbing playground equipment
- Completing a basic forward roll
Boost their progress with these engaging and fun-filled activities:
- Organize games of tag, soccer, or catch at the park
- Join a local yoga, dance, or martial arts class together
- Construct age-appropriate obstacle courses
- Encourage them to practice riding a bike or scooter
Read more: What are the Stages of Physical Development?
Fine Motor Skills: The Magic Touch for 5 Year Olds
Fine motor skills focus on the use of smaller muscles, particularly in the hands, fingers, and wrists. While most 5-year-olds begin to master these skills, the physical development of 5 year olds with thinking and learning differences might follow a unique trajectory. No sweat! We’ve got you covered with practical strategies every step of the way.
Some typical fine motor milestones at this age are:
- Precise drawing and coloring within the lines
- Expertly using scissors
- Handling buttons, zippers, and snaps with ease
- Writing their name and forming legible letters
Unleash their potential by introducing the following engaging activities:
- Host artistic finger painting or playdough sculpting sessions
- Challenge them with age-appropriate puzzles
- Encourage bead stringing or card lacing
- Teach them to use tweezers or tongs for engaging fine motor practice
Read more: Emotional Development in 3 Year Olds
Navigating Challenges & Fostering Growth: Your Guide to the Physical Development of 5 Year Olds
While ensuring progress, it’s important to address the challenges that arise and build resilience along the way. Creating a supportive environment is crucial in nurturing your neurodivergent child’s physical development.
Sensory Needs: Finding the Right Balance
Some kids with special needs experience sensory processing differences. Addressing these needs can make a significant impact on their physical development. Focus on activities that provide proprioceptive (deep pressure) and vestibular (balance) input.
| Activity | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Swinging | Balance & Spatial Awareness |
| Bouncing on a therapy ball | Core strength & Coordination |
| “Heavy work” tasks (pushing/pulling objects) | Strength & Motor Planning |
Modification of Expectations: Embrace the Unique
Above all, adapt your expectations and celebrate even the tiniest of milestones. Your 5 year old is a one-of-a-kind gem, and their physical development will progress at their own beautiful pace.
Empowering Progress with Professional Support
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and adapted physical education teachers offer valuable support for your child’s physical development journey, while providing guidance and advice for you as a parent.
Goally | Fun Games that Build Motor Skills & Manage Screen Time
Looking for ways to improve your child’s finger dexterity skills while also keeping screen time manageable? Try Goally’s fun & motor planning apps.
Our Balloons & Graffiti Street Apps are all about building motor skills in a fun, interactive way. Kids learn to “pop the balloons” or draw dozens of digital art designs while simultaneously developing the essential skills needed to use AAC and other communication tools. Meanwhile, Game Garage is a parent-controlled space filled with entertaining (but parent-controlled) video games that kids can unlock with the points they earn from completing routines.
A Strong Foundation in the Physical Development of 5 Year Olds
To sum up, the physical development of 5 year olds like neurodivergent kids might take a unique path, but their potential knows no bounds. As a parent, your patience, creativity, and unfaltering support will play a significant role in building their strong foundation. With confidence and resilience on their side, your child will flourish and conquer the world one milestone at a time.
This post was originally published on 05/28/2023. It was updated on 09/06/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
