Use the following chart as a resource for yourself regarding children’s behaviors in preschool.

Social Emotional Development for Preschoolers

From U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn the Signs. Act Early: Developmental Milestones. 

By 3 years, preschoolers:
  • Copy adults and friends
  • Show affection for friends without prompting
  • Take turns in games
  • Show concern for crying friends
  • Understand the idea of “mine” and “his” or “hers” or "theirs"
  • Show a wide range of emotions
  • Separate easily from mom and dad
  • May get upset with major changes in routine
  • Dress and undress self
  • Name a friend
  • Carry on a conversation using 2-3 sentences
  • Play make-believe with dolls, animals, and people
By 4 years, preschoolers:
  • Enjoy doing new things
  • Play “mom” and “dad”
  • Is more creative with make-believe play
  • Would rather play with other children than alone
  • Cooperate with other children
  • Often can’t tell what’s real and what’s make-believe
  • Talk about likes and interests
  • Understand the idea of “same” and “different”
  • Play board or card games
By 5 years, preschoolers:
  • Want to please friends
  • Want to be like friends
  • More likely to agree with rules
  • Like to sing, dance, and act
  • Show concern and sympathy for others
  • Are aware of gender
  • Can tell what’s real and what’s make-believe
  • Show more independence
  • Is sometimes demanding and sometimes very cooperative