A 5-year-old is assessed for school readiness. He can hop on one foot, draw a person with 6 parts, copies a square, names 4 colors, and can define words. According to developmental norms, what ADDITIONAL skill would be expected to be present at this age?

• A Ties shoelaces
• B Understands conservation of number (Piagetian concept)
• C Copies a triangle ✓
• D Reads simple words independently

Explanation

At 5 years, expected milestones include: draws a person with 6 parts, copies a square (achieved at 4.5 years) and triangle (5 years), hops on one foot, skips, names 4 colors, uses 5–6 word sentences. Copying a triangle is a 5-year fine motor/visuoconstructive milestone. Tying shoelaces is a 6-year milestone requiring bilateral coordination. Conservation of number (understanding that quantity does not change with rearrangement) is a concrete operational stage achievement at 7 years (Piaget). Independent reading is a school-acquired skill, not a developmental milestone at 5.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

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