4 years, 5 months old
Little Patterns Everywhere
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 53 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
5 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hey there, wonderful parent!
If you’re reading this, you’re well into the magical age of 53 months. Isn't it amazing how, just when you think you've got this parenting thing down, a whole new set of delightful challenges and joys pop up?
All the questions, imaginative play, negotiating, conversations, jokes, and even the boundary pushing… it’s all part of how children make sense of their world.
When you pause to listen and follow their lead, you’re being invited into that world. You get a glimpse of how they think, what matters to them, and how they’re trying to figure things out. It can shift things just enough to help you understand them a little more; and sometimes take a breath a little easier in those full-on moments.
You don’t need to be “on” or fully present like this all day, every day; and your not going to have everything under control everyday, that’s not realistic. There will be times you react a little more than you felt you should have, you will "miss things" and wonder how, or there will be times where you just don't know what to do. But it all comes back to the small, everyday moments; answering a question, joining in their game for a minute, really listening to their story, that the connection builds, and will always be enough.
Activity 1✏️ Play-Based Writing (4 Years)
How: When your child starts showing interest in writing, maybe asking how to spell their name, wanting to write a card, or copying letters they’ve seen; lean into it in a really relaxed, playful way.
Remember: If your child isn't showing any interest in this yet, that's perfectly normal! Save this activity for when they are interested. And do something they are into! Playdough, beading, panting, drawing, building- its all skills which support their hands for writing later on.
You might trace over a word together, write it out for them to copy, or simply let them have a go in their own way. The letters don’t need to be perfect (or even recognisable!). This is all about experimenting and playing; holding a pencil, making marks, and seeing what happens.
The magic is often in their reaction; watch the pride when they’ve “written a word,” even if it looks nothing like it yet. That excitement is where the confidence to continue learning is.
Writing doesn’t have to stay on paper either. It can show up in so many playful ways:
Painting letters with water outside
Drawing in sand, dirt, or shaving foam
Making letters with playdough
Building letters with sticks, rocks, or loose parts
Whether the interest is just starting, comes and goes, or not interested at all; it’s all normal. At this age, it’s not about getting it “right,” it’s about playing, exploring, and making it fun.
Rememeber: There’s no pressure to know how to write before school. These little, playful moments are already building everything they need 💛.
Activity 2: Catch & Throw
How: Find a soft ball and play a game of catch. Gently toss it to each other. You might call out “Go!” as you toss to build timing and anticipation.
Why: Partner games like this help develop coordination and timing. It’s less about catching perfectly and more about the shared giggles and teamwork. Plus, it’s a great way to burn off some extra energy!
Song of the Month (Grown-Up Tunes, Little Moments)
Doing things a little different this month; Pop on one of your favourite songs; something you love; and invite your little one into it. Dance around the kitchen, sing along while you’re cooking, or have a mini living room dance party.
Pick a catchy chorus and learn it together. You might sing it loud, whisper it, make up actions, or add your own silly moves. Keep it simple and fun; no pressure, just enjoying the moment together.
Sharing music you love creates such a special kind of connection. Your child gets to see your joy, copy your energy, and feel part of something that’s yours too. My girls always love it when I share a song with them from "when I was a little girl!"
Learning a chorus builds memory, rhythm, and language skills; but more than that, it becomes your song. A little pocket of connection you can come back to anytime 💛
Book of the Month: Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge
This gentle, heartfelt story by Mem Fox follows a little boy who sets out to help his elderly friend find her lost memories. Along the way, he discovers what memories feel like, warm, funny, precious, and sometimes a little sad too. It’s a beautiful reminder of connection across generations, and how even the smallest acts of kindness can mean so much.
Ways to extend on the book
Invite your child to share their own little memories (they might surprise you!)
Collect a few simple objects from around the house and create your own “memory basket” to explore together
These little extensions can offer vobaulary development, introduces empathy and understanding of others, supports comprehension and encourages story telling and making connections to their world.
Did You Know?
Did you know that when children first start “writing,” it often looks like scribbles, lines, or random shapes; and that’s exactly how it should be?
Those early marks are actually the beginning of writing. Your child is learning that their movements can create meaning, and that marks on a page can “say” something.
Before children write real letters, they’re building important skills like hand strength, control, and the idea that writing is a way to share their thoughts.
So when they proudly show you their “writing,” even if you can’t read a single bit, there’s a lot of learning happening in that moment 💛
Social & Emotional Skill Building: Turn-Taking
Practice taking turns in conversation or during play.
It could sound like:
"Okay, your turn to tell a joke. Now it's my turn!"
"Would you like to start, or should I?"
This simple back-and-forth helps your child feel heard and valued, teaching them patience and empathy in the process. It's a tiny skill with a big heart.
My girls have been enjoying taking turns to tell jokes in the car or at the dinner table. If this becomes a thing for you, don't feel the pressure, just like everything else, recycling the same jokes its perfectly fine. Kids love it!
As always, remember that your child's need is simple and profound: you. Your laughter, your presence, your love are the most essential things you provide. And in truth, every moment spent together, whether playing, reading, or simply being, is building the deepest layers of connection and learning.
You’re doing beautifully.