Games for 4 year olds: what children learn at this age
Four year olds sort, count to ten, recognise their first letters and learn to wait their turn. Which games support that and how to choose them.
What develops at this age
Four year olds get better and better at sorting by colour, shape and size, count small amounts and begin to recognise some letters, often the ones in their own name. Attention is still short, so the best games last a few minutes and have a clear goal.
What to look for in a game
- Instructions are spoken aloud, because most children cannot read yet.
- Big targets for fingers and simple taps.
- A mistake is not a punishment: the game shows how to go on and lets the child try again.
- Short rounds with a reward at the end.
Play together
Children learn most when someone sits with them, asks what they are doing and says the words aloud. A game on a tablet can start a conversation: how many apples are there, which letter is this, what comes next.
Games for this article
- PremiumSort by colour3–5 years
- PremiumShape sorter3–5 years
- PremiumCounting apples3–5 years
- FreeAquarium2–5 years
- FreeFirst letter4–6 years
- FreeMemory2–8 years
- FreeJigsaw2–8 years
- PremiumOdd one out3–8 years
This article is general advice, not a professional opinion about your child. For that, talk to your paediatrician or another specialist.