These age requirements are based on ocupational therapist standards.
Age requirements for a
4 year old
PERCEPTION:
Colour observation:
1. Matches all the basic colours. Place blocks of different colours in front of the toddler. Ask him/her to find all blocks of the same colour as the one provided.
2. Names at least 4 colours on request. (Red, blue, green and yellow).
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Body awareness:
1. On request points to most body parts and some joints e.g. shoulders, neck, and knee.
2. Knows a few functions of the body: e.g. "I hear with my ears".
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Foreground-background discrimination:
1. Focuses on a specific item.
2. Identifies different objects.
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Shape perception:
1. Identifies 6 two dimensional objects of the same size. (Square, triangle, circle, oval, half moon and star).
2. Sees the difference between a square and rectangle.
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Visual discrimination:
1. Matches corresponding pictures.
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Visual analysis, synthesis and visual closure:
1. Builds a 15 - 25 piece puzzle.
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LOGIC:
1. Has the ability to draw own conclusions and to discuss these.
2. Understands the relation between question and answer.
3. Can sort items with the same characteristics e.g. "All the sheep" or "all the cows".
4. Can solve a problem.
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MEMORY:
Visual memory:
1. Remembers and recalls 4 objects.
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Visual sequence:
1. Can remember and name 4 objects in a specific sequence.
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Visual pattern sequence:
1. Recognises and repeats a pattern with 4 objects.
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Sequence of events:
1. Can remember and execute 4 simple instructions in sequence.
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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT:
1. Counts to 10.
2. Counts 3 - 4 objects.
3. Identifies the smallest and largest objects among objects of different sizes.
4. Knows the difference between "one" and "many".
5. Distinguishes between "large" and "small".
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CREATIVITY:
1. Creates by using available materials.
2. Imaginative conversation.
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CONCEPTUALISING:
Language skill:
1. Enjoys listening to stories.
2. Enjoys rhymes.
3. Understands and uses words like: who, when, what, why and how.
4. Asks many questions.
5. Uses complete sentences
6. Enjoys using computer language.
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SPATIAL ORIENTATION:
Eye-hand coordination:
1. Likes using the mouse.
2. Keeps shoulder and elbow joint relatively still when moving the mouse and mostly uses the wrist.
3. Can cross middle line.
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Spatial relations:
1. Understands the terms: in, on top, under, up and down.
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Laterality:
1. Knows the words "left" and "right" but is unable to distinguish between the two.
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EMOTIONAL:
Evaluation of emotional skills and task orientation to a greater or lesser extent applicable to each age group.
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Enthusiasm:
1. Unable to wait turn to attend class.
2. Positive attitude regarding learning situation.
3. Eager to learn.
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State of mind:
1. Cheerful.
2. Spontaneous.
3. Excited.
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Daring attitude:
1. Confident.
2. Able tot work independently.
3. Prepared to take on and complete unknown tasks.
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TASK:
Concentration:
1. Concentrates irrespective of external factors.
2. Can concentrate for entire duration of lesson.
3. Observes well and follows instructions.
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Completion of tasks:
1. Completes task irrespective of difficulty.
2. Works methodically and systematically.
3. Maintains good working tempo.
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Independent work:
1. Carries out instructions without continual assistance.
2. Thinks about matters and makes decision.
3. Can think creatively.
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Perseverance:
1. Determined.
2. Displays courage.
3. Perseveres in spite of difficult work.
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COMPUTER:
Handling:
1. Mouse.
2. Keyboard.
3. Equipment.
4. Tablet.
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Meaning and naming of:
1. Screen.
2. Keyboard.
3. Mouse.
4. Enter.
5. Space bar
6. Direction keys.
7. "Drag"
8. " JustClick"
9. Laptop.
10. Tablet.