Four to Five Years
As children enter preschool age, they are capable of so much more! If you have met a child this age, you’ve surely noticed the thirst for knowledge, new skills, and the ability for creative play emerge. Four and five year olds still want to learn to do things for themselves, and with the right tools, they can! Look for toys, games, and activities that support early reading skills, balance, coordination, creativity, problem solving, and communication skills. As children this age begin to play together, rather than next to each other, interpersonal skills become vital. This is the time to offer keys to the world around us, basic concepts, vocabulary, ideas, and skills that can be built on later in life.
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Image from Handmade Montessori
Apron
These are my favorite aprons for young children. The elastic neckband is easy to get over your head by yourself, and the attached velcro waist tie makes it simple to secure. These aprons are from Handmade Montessori on Etsy, and are made from cotton fabric. I’ve seen some made from a water-repellant material here in her shop as well.
Puzzles
Puzzles are an excellent toy, and are a classic for good reason. Problem solving skills, spatial and color recognition, fine motor refinement—these little toys have it all! For ages 4-5, look for a puzzle with around 10-25 pieces. A simple jigsaw like these from Melissa and Doug are perfect, and knobbed or chunky shape puzzles may still be interesting too.
Yoga CardS
A set of yoga cards like these with a picture and instructions will help your 4-5 year old learn various yoga poses and be more independent in crafting flows and sequences. Choose one to practice the pose, or choose a handful for a short custom yoga flow. You might even want to borrow these for yourself!
Lacing Cards
These beginning sewing skill cards are just the right balance of challenge for a 4 or 5 year old. Made of sturdy plastic or cardboard, a set of lacing cards isolates the skill of a simple running or whip stitch which keeping it fun with colorful shapes.
Cooperative board Games
Thankfully, there are now many cooperative board game to choose from for children! Games like these promote teamwork, communication skills, and often reading, math, or problem solving skills too. Check out the selection for ages 4-5 over at For Small Hands.
Puppets and a Theater
Hand or finger puppets encourage creative story-telling, and are a fun way to try on new roles and social dynamics. This theater fits in a doorway with curtain tension rods, and rolls up for storage. You can buy hand or finger puppets, but I feel the best puppets are child-made, if your child is willing!
Binoculars
Here is a simple tool that really expands what a child can learn about! These simple binoculars from Carson allow for up close nature observation, and the ability to see finer details in everyday objects. Be sure to record your discoveries in a nature journal!
Woodworking Tools
Really, any basic craft tools are great for a 4 or 5 year old. I like woodworking because there are many practical applications, child-friendly tools available, and a wide range of skills to learn. Start with a screwdriver, hammer, and measuring tape, then when your child can safely handle it, add a hand-powered drill or saw. This basic set from Stanley tools at For Small Hands is perfect to start with.
Wooden Balance Board
Another great indoor large-motor activity, a wooden balance board encourages balance and movement, but is also an excellent open-ended toy. Use it as pictured for balance refinement, or flip it to make a impromptu puppet theater, or flip it upside down to make a bridge.
Play Tent
Your child can totally make a tent out of a sheet and a chair or two, but if you have the space, a tent like this one is a welcome playmate. Preschoolers turn small spaces like this into hideouts, stores, rocket ships, or just a quiet place to read.
WATERCOLORS
Quality art supplies are always a welcome gift. This set includes a bit more guidance than just a palette of paints, and is just right for an introduction to watercolor. There are several brushed included, but my favorite is the water-pen, eliminating the challenge of how much water to add to the paints.