As a general guideline, gross motor skills develop in stages and in a certain order. Each stage of development is preceded by the successful achievement of a prior stage. Surprisingly, the development of these skills begins before your child is even born. These are the typical ages and stages of development broken down for you:
Birth – 2 months:
Infants will obviously not be walking or running at this stage. The development of their gross motor skills is evident in the movements of their head, torso, arms and legs. The kicking of their legs, the movement of their head from side to side, and bending their arms at the elbow are all evident during this age. They are building those foundational muscles.
2-6 months:
A lot of muscle development happens during this time. Babies will begin to support their head on their own, lift their head, roll over and eventually sit upright without support.
6-12 months:
During this stage, they will begin to crawl, pull themselves up and stand without support. As they get closer to one year of age, they will also begin to walk without assistance.
12-18 months:
This is such a fun stage, but their developed motor skills will keep parents busy! At this age, children usually pull and push toys and objects with their arms. They also gain the coordination to push and catch rolling balls.
2 years:
Parents will notice that walking becomes smooth during this stage and (watch out) they begin running. Climbing up furniture and steps, as well as picking objects up off of the floor without falling, all begin during this stage.
3 years:
Coordination becomes more evident at this period as children begin to pedal tricycles. They can also walk up and down stairs unassisted and jump in place! They also will begin to walk on their tip toes.
4 years:
The little league stage! Kids begin to throw balls using an overarm movement. They are also able to catch balls that have been bounced, and they can run around obstacles.
5 years:
The playground is a whole new world at this point. Kids are able to hang from bars, skip, jump, walk backwards, and begin to skip rope.
6 years:
Their balance and coordination is reaching new levels. Look at them go as they begin to ride bicycles (with training wheels), perform headstands, and walk on balance beams.
Tender Years believes in nurturing the whole child, academically, emotionally and physically. That’s why we created a learning environment that enriches your child and helps them develop these critical skills. Each of our facilities features large play areas and equipment such as bicycles and tricycles to help develop these skills. Want to know more? Schedule a tour and come check us out!
