Preschool Learning Achievement Goals: Master Key Skills at Ages 3, 4, and 5

Phase 1: Age 3 (Foundation Phase)

Math:

• Counting to 10
• Counting objects in groups up to 10
• Identifying numbers 0-10
• Differentiating between letters and numbers
• Recognizing basic shapes (square, circle, triangle, rectangle)
• Sorting objects by similarities (shape & color)
• Responding to spatial language (next to, in front of)
• Comparing objects (heavier, lighter, taller, shorter)

Language Arts:

• Recognizing printed name
• Identifying letters in own name
• Recognizing printed names of family and friends
• Holding a book correctly
• Understanding basic book information (title, author, illustrator)
• Identifying characters and major events in stories

Life Skills:

• Faith Foundations:
  • Creator: God created everything
  • Character: God is good
  • Sovereign: God is in charge
• Manners:
  • Love
  • Kindness
  • Sharing
  • Obedience

Social Studies:

• Days of the week
• Months of the year
• Seasons

Science:

• Sun, moon, stars, and planets
• Using five senses to identify things

Phase 2: Age 4 (Developmental Phase)

Math:

• Counting to 20
• Counting objects in groups up to 20
• Identifying numbers 10-20
• Moving objects while counting
• Matching numbers to quantities using manipulatives
• Comparing two sets using greater than, less than, equal to
• Using non-standard units of measurement (e.g., pencils to measure)

Language Arts:

• Writing letters in own name
• Continuing letter sounds recognition
• Identifying and producing rhyming words

Fine Motor Skills:

• Developing grip strength (using scissors, pencils)

Social Studies:

• Understanding family tree
• Knowing personal facts (address, phone number, family names)

Phase 3: Age 5 (Preparation for Kindergarten)

Math:

• Writing numbers 0-20
• Understanding subtraction (taking away decreases numbers)
• Understanding addition (adding increases numbers)
• Recognizing, duplicating, and fixing patterns
• Extending and creating own patterns
• Knowing and creating 2D shapes (square, circle, triangle, rectangle)
• Knowing and creating 3D shapes (cube, sphere, cone, cylinder)
• Using standard units of measurement (inches with tape measure or ruler)

Language Arts:

• Writing own name correctly
• Recognizing uppercase and lowercase letters
• Clapping and counting syllables in words
• Recognizing words with the same beginning sound (alliteration)
• Differentiating between similar and different sounds
• Sequencing events to retell a story
• Identifying story details and making predictions

Social Studies:

• Basic geography concepts

This list forms a structured, age-appropriate mastery path across math, language arts, life skills, social studies, science, and fine motor skills that builds toward Kindergarten readiness.