Almost 4 year old development

[LucyH75]

Hello, should I be worried that my almost 4 year old boy can't write his own name and draw stick people or anything really apart from a circle. He starts school in September but goes to nursery 3 days a week and I don't want him to be way behind the other children. Thanks.

[lljkk]

No, do not worry, don't be so daft. :)

[Sirzy]

He will pick up things like that when he is ready. Don't worry about it

[WhispersOfWickedness]

They go to school to learn to read and write, please don't worry

[SucksToBeMe]

Mine turned 4 last week and STILL won't hold a pencil normally!

[LucyH75]

Thanks everyone.

[mummy2benji]

Not at all. That's what school is there for, to teach them! My parents were teachers and my mum taught my brother and I to read before we started school. I haven't adopted the same approach with my dc's! They all catch up with each other and end up at the same level anyway, or level according to ability. I don't see the need to get overly competitive and piling pressure onto little children. At that age they should be learning how to communicate, interact with others, share and play nicely.

[steppemum]

my ds at almost 4 held a pencil/crayon in a fist grip and scribbled. I was worried inside very laid back and just gave him lots of paper/pens/paints etc.

suddenly around his 4th birthday he realised he could recognise his name and tried to copy it. He switched to holding the pencil correctly and made a pretty good attempt at his name. He then did a thank you drawing for Granny of his birthday present and did a recognisable picture.

So he went from scribble to picture in a matter of weeks. A lot happens around 4 with drawing and writing.

[maxmissie]

My ds is four in July and can't write his name and can only just draw people very roughly. He still does mainly sribbles!

We've been teaching him basic skills like getting dressed and putting his shoes on ,hanging up his coat, holding a pencil properly etc rather than actual writing, reading etc so he can get by on a day to day basis and school then can teach him writing etc.

[NeoMaxiZoomDweebie]

My DD is just turned 5 and has been in reception for two terms...she's JUST learned to write her name and she only JUST knows her alphabet to look at. ON the plus side she can sing well, is sociable and dances, hops, rides a bike and tells a good knock knock joke. Your DS is fine!

[Idbeloveandsweetness]

Ds is four in a couple of months and can write his name (badly) but it is only three letters!
His pencil control is terrible and he can't draw anything recognisable or colour.
He is overall behind I think in everything though so maybe not a great comparison. For example he can't dress himself, social skills are pretty poor, no independence etc. think he's going to really struggle at school unfortunately.

[LucyH75]

Thanks everyone.

[nextphase]

Interesting.
DS1 (4 this month) can't draw or colour to save his life. Lots of the Girls his age can write their name, draw identifiable things or colour neatly tho. What they can't do it the physical stuff as well - he can out climb / jump / bike any of them.
So, they all develop at different rates for different things. If they aren't interested, I don't beleive you should force them when they are still tiny - let them do the stuff they enjoy.