Four-year-olds build upon social/adaptive and other skills, with increased expectations for children to become more independent and able to work within a group. They enjoy a greater variety of experiences with a focus on more fine motor activities such as cutting, drawing, painting and other pre-writing/reading activities. Children are more able to concentrate, recall, recognize and organize materials in a variety of ways, working on patterns and sequences which are helpful in the development of reading and writing skills. Four-year-olds also develop basic number concepts and problem-solving skills. More in-depth study is begun on topics of interest to the children and teacher. These studies serve as the vehicle for practicing many skills and vary from year to year.