Which skill do young children usually master first?

Young children typically master the skill of waving good-bye first because it is a simple, non-verbal form of communication that requires minimal physical coordination and cognitive processing. This action naturally aligns with their social development, as they begin to understand social cues and practices around their first year of life. Waving is also a widely encouraged behavior by caregivers and is often reinforced through positive reactions, making it a more attainable skill for young children to grasp.

In contrast, the other skills listed, such as reading, writing their name, and drawing shapes, involve more complex cognitive abilities and fine motor skills that develop at later stages in a child’s growth. Reading, for instance, requires phonetic awareness and comprehension skills that generally develop after the preschool years. Writing their name requires mastery of letter formation and control over a writing instrument, which typically becomes more refined in later preschool or early elementary years. Drawing shapes also demands both understanding and execution of spatial awareness, which develops progressively as children grow older. Thus, waving good-bye stands out as the earliest skill young children learn to express themselves socially.