4 years, 6 months old
Balancing Act and Bits of Paper
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 54 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello there, wonderful parent!
Can you believe it, 4 and 1/2! There has been more milestones met, more new language, more bravery and more boundaries pushed and buttons tested and of course more laughs and love! Your big 4 year old is ready to take on the world one hop, skip and tear at a time!
When my eldest was really getting into skipping, she was doing it everywhere. My mother-in-law said, “That’s a sign of a happy child, you never see a sad child skipping.” Moments later, something happened that really upset her. Big tears, proper crying… while skipping away.
We couldn’t help but laugh; it was such a perfect little reminder that kids can feel everything all at once 💛
Your four year old's ability to balance, plan, and create seems to grow every day, and you’re right there with them, guiding, cheering, and occasionally picking up those scattered pieces of paper!
So this month, here are some ideas to channel all that energy and creativity into play, development, and connection.
Activity 1: Paper Collage Art
How: Gather some colorful papers, let your child tear them into pieces, and glue them onto a larger paper to make a collage. Encourage them to create anything they fancy, be it a garden, a rainbow, or just an explosion of colorful shapes.
Why: Tearing paper isn’t just about making a mess; it’s wonderful for developing those tiny hand muscles and fine motor skills. Plus, it’s an exercise in planning and decision-making as they decide what goes where. Art doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s about expression and fun!
Activity 2: Hop & Balance
How: Find a safe space and encourage your child to hop on one foot. You can turn it into a little game, hop to the rhythm of a song, through an obstacle course made of pillows, or make a hopscotch on the cement with chalk.
Why: Hopping on one foot is a fun way to build control and coordination. It strengthens legs and helps them understand balance. And let's face it, who doesn't enjoy a good hopping session now and then?
Song of the Month: I'm a Little Teapot
I'm a little teapot
short and stout
here is my handle
here is my spout
when I get all steamed up
hear me SHOUT
tip me over
pour me out
To make it extra fun (and a little more challenging for 4-year-olds), try:
standing on one leg while you “pour”
balancing while going slow motion
adding a spin before you tip
making it silly; tiny teapots, giant teapots, wobbly teapots!
Why: You’re building balance, coordination, and body awareness all through play. Plus, following actions and timing helps with listening and memory.
And like always, it’s not about getting it “right”, it’s about the giggles, the wobbling, and those little shared moments together 💛
Book of the Month: Bear Hunt
Join the adventure again through grass, rivers, and caves... but beware of bears!
This book is all about the journey, not just the destination. Your child will love engaging with the rhythm of the words and the anticipation of the bear's appearance. Remember, it's not about finishing the book, but enjoying the story together; each page is a new shared moment. Whether it's Bear Hunt or any other family favorite, it’s wonderful time spent together.
Did You Know?
Tearing paper strengthens fingers!
This simple action is actually setting the stage for skills they’ll use in writing and other precise tasks. Those little fingers are honing their abilities with each enthusiastic rip of the paper.
Social & Emotional Skill Building
Let them take the lead on where the pieces of their collage art should go, what they would like to add, offer scissors and crayons, so they can extend on their collage if they like.
Giving your child the reins in these little projects boosts their confidence and encourages independence. You’re showing them that their choices matter, fostering a sense of agency. As they're deciding where all those bits of paper should land and what they should do next, they're practicing decision-making in a safe and loving space.
Remember: Perfection isn’t the goal; presence is. Your child flourishes not just through structured activities, but in your warm, loving presence. Each hop, tear, and story read is a building block in the tower of trust and learning you’re creating together.
You’re all they need, doing beautifully and more than enough.