Developmental Milestones - School Age

Developmental Milestones: 

Kindergarten

•    Uses prepositions (under, besides, on, up, down, etc.)
•    Groups item that are same/different
•    Follows a 2-3 step command
•    Vocabulary is increasing
•    Uses words to express past experiences
•    Understand a sequence of events (first this will happen, then…)
•    Uses 5-6 words sentences
•    Understands the concept of time (day/night), quantity (whole/half), space (before/after)
•    Correctly uses –ed, -ing, endings
•    Correctly uses pronouns and plurals
•    Asks questions
•    Uses some adjectives and adverbs
•    Knows common objects

1st Grade:

•    Uses 6-7 word sentences
•    Begin to retell a short story with proper sequence
•    Shares a personal experience
•    Keeps to topic during discussion
•    Defines words
•    Grammar is more adult like
•    Categorizes item
•    Follows directions for completing worksheets
•    Compound/complex sentences structure is used some of the time
•    Increase understanding of concepts – time (today, tomorrow, yesterday), quantity (many, few) space (behind, a head of, last)
•    Contributes to group discussions

2nd Grade

•    Compound/complex sentences are used with higher frequency
•    Average sentence length of 7-8 words
•    Begins to know two different meanings of one word (example_ bat that flies, bat for baseball)
•    Retells short story with proper sequence
•    Retells a personal experience in sequential order
•    Can make a prediction

3rd Grade

•    Knows different meanings of one word
•    Explains how things are alike and different
•    Gains and uses information through listening

Concerns for any age level:


•    Doesn’t seem to have the words to ask for an item
•    Seems to have knowledge, but can’t answer questions when asked
•    Seems to have knowledge but can’t seem to talk about ideas in sequential manner (no clear beginning, middle and ending)
•    Difficulty describing items/ideas
•    Difficulty getting to the point
•    Difficulty staying on topic during a conversation/discussion
•    Can not appropriately initiate a conversation
•    Can not appropriately take turns in a conversation
•    Doesn’t seem to know how to ask questions
•    Does not look at you when speaking
  • Kneale Administration Building
  • 123 South Webb Road, Box 4904
  • Grand Island, NE 68802-4904
  • Phone: 308 385-5900
  • Fax: 308 385-5949
  • For further information email Web Master.
The Grand Island Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age or other protected status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Students: Associate Superintendent for Student Services, Kneale Administration Building, 123 South Webb Road, PO Box 4904, Grand Island, NE 68802-4904; 308-385-5900; rdexter@gips.org Employees and Others: Director of Human Resources, Kneale Administration Building, 123 South Webb Road, PO Box 4904, Grand Island, NE 68802-4904; 308-385-5900; wstelk@gips.org Complaints or concerns involving discrimination or needs for accommodation or access should be addressed to the appropriate Coordinator. For further information about anti-discrimination laws and regulations, or to file a complaint of discrimination with the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education (OCR), please contact the OCR at 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, Missouri 64114, (816) 268-0550 (voice), or (877) 521-2172 (telecommunications device for the deaf), or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.