normal development for a 4 year old?

There are developmental checklists here:

www.the-preschool-pages.com/links

Download, complete, and take with you to the doctor.

However, it sounds like she is fine.

Bittersweet gave you a website to check out. That's great. I was trying to go through my list to see which one would most benefit you.

Personally, teaching preschool, I don't find that your child is too far off track. Many 4 year olds are just learning to write their names and in my son's Kindergarten class...there are a few who still do not know how to write their names. The interest usually shows up about 4 years old and it sounds like he has majority of her name already. I do wish you would consider teaching her Capital L and then the rest lower case as the majority of print in our environment as well as beginner reader books are majority lower case letters. Note that she she does not know only a. :-) That's pretty good. Keep up the good work.

As for colors... saying sun and knowing it's yellow...is pretty abstract...especially when we teach the children NOT to look at the sun...and when we finally can...it's evening and guess what...it's sometimes orange :-) Matching the colors and saying the color name is just fine. Remember what she knows it going to be directly related to what is taught...or what she experiences. If you wish for her to learn objects that are specific colors...get her pictures and have her match the picture to the color.

:-) Chin up! She's doing just fine...but if it makes you feel better you can ask the doctor...our doctor has us fill out a developmental sheet every time we go...so that usually covers that concern...but your child's doctor is going to know her better than we know her. :-)

If there was a big concern, then the teacher would get someone to test her, until then, don't worry. Practice writing her name, it took me all summer with my daughter...Just do a little everyday, but keep reviewing what she knows and add a little bit more every day.

The same goes for her colors, my son is 6 and still gets mixed up between his blue and green. Children will learn things at different pace.

Who knows, there's probably something your daughter knows and the rest of the kids don't.

That is totally normal. One huge problem with our society today is the entirely too early focus on academics. The things you mention are benchmarks for the end of kindergarten...when he is about six. He will likely learn to write his name before that, but knowing all the letters when he sees them (letter identification) will come much later. What he should be learning now is how to be appropriately social with his peers. How to sit at circle time without hitting, how to negotiate and problem solve conflicts, how to be friends, how to regulate his emotions. The child's developing mind learns so much through play. Play is not just play for children, but is a way they learn. Your child is gaining tons just by being in a social context with kids his age, and that is what he should be focused on at age four. Don't worry...all that academic stuff WILL come. Even if he doesn't learn a thing about letters in that class, he will know so much more than a kindergartner who hasn't been to preschool. He'll understand the structure and flow of the day, what you do at circle time, how you speak to others, etc. VERY important stuff. Good luck to you and your child!

I wouldn't worry about it at all. Some kids read and write at age 3 and some kids read and write at age 5 or 6. She will learn at her own pace. Continue pointing out colors to her and talking to her alot. She will pick up on it eventually. If you are very concerned, talk to your doctor, but I don't see how you can expect every child to read and write at the same time.

About the colors, I think she does the same thing as mine does sometimes but if you are really curious it's better to ask your doctor. As for the handwriting, why do you think she should know how to write at this age? I think it's too soon, 5 is a more appropriate age.

http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs

This website shows you the 'norms' according to English Government.

Children develop at different rates and it varies because of personal interests, background, types of toys, pressure etc. She's learning things and 4 letters if further than many 4 year old I have in my setting.

Maybe she feels you are 'testing' her...if your saying "what this", "tell me about that" etc she may feel anxious and so has difficulty emotionally answering! Do some 'learning through play' games (explained on website) where she is having fun and doesnt realise you're 'testing' :)

I wouldnt worry though she doesnt sound behind!

Most kids that were in my sons 4 year old preschool class didn't write their names until about half way through the school year.

Hey, I work in a nursery and would just like to say to you - relax. Your daughter is only 4years old and has plenty of time to learn.

I would advise you to continue as you are - reinforce colours in the environment etc. She will grasp it in her own time.

Hope this helps