Motor Skill Development

Child Development: 2-3 years

Complete Guide 0 to 6 years 
GROSS MOTOR SKILLS 24 Months

  • Runs without falling
  • Walks up stairs 3 steps using step-to gait (placing both feet on 1 step) without holding on
  • Walks down stairs 3 steps with 1 hand on rail using step-to gait (placing both feet on 1 step)
  • Throws tennis ball underhand 3ft while standing
  • Throws tennis ball 3-5 feet in direction of target
  • Jumps up 2 inches from floor with both feet
  • Jumps from bottom step, may lead with 1 foot

 FINE MOTOR/SELF-HELP/PLAY SKILLS

  • Imitates horizontal stroke
  • Imitates 3-block train
  • Snips with scissors
  • Holds crayon with thumb and fingers
  • Washes hands
  • Holds spoon in fingers — palm up
  • Pulls pants down with assistance
  • Displays shyness in outside situations
  • Engages best in peer interaction with one older child, not a sibling
  • Initiates own play, but needs supervision to carry out ideas
  • Dramatizes using a doll

 
GROSS MOTOR SKILLS 30 Months

  • Imitates one foot standing 1 second
  • Walks on tiptoes 5 steps and maintains balance
  • Throws tennis ball overhead 7 feet by moving arm upward and back
  • Jumps down 8-10 inches with both feet without losing balance

FINE MOTOR/SELF-HELP/PLAY SKILLS

  • Places six pegs in a pegboard
  • Builds an 8-block tower
  • Cuts across a piece of paper
  • Imitates a circle
  • Uses a fork
  • Dresses self with assistance
  • Insists on doing things independently
  • Resists change; difficulties with transitions
  • Takes pride in achievements
  • Participates in circle games; plays interactive games

 
GROSS MOTOR SKILLS 3 Years Old-  

  • Jumps down 14-24” elevation with 2-footed take-off and landing
  • Jumps forward 24” with 2-footed take-off and landing
  • Walks up stairs while placing 1 foot on each step (alternating gait) 4 steps without holding on
  • Peddles tricycle short distances
  • Makes sharp turns around corners when running
  • Avoids obstacles in path
  • Imitates one foot standing 1-5 seconds
  • Catches ball with hands and arms extended
  • Climbs jungle gyms and ladders
  • Kicks ball 6 feet

FINE MOTOR/SELF-HELP/PLAY SKILLS

  • Imitates a cross
  • Puts together simple puzzles
  • Cuts along a line
  • Builds 9-10 block tower
  • Self-feeds with spoon, some spilling
  • Puts shoes/socks on
  • Brushes own hair
  • Plays with another child
  • Shares toys with another
  • Stays in group during activity