Preschool and School Age

What gross motor skills are expected at preschool age, 3 to 4 years?

• Throws ball about 10 ft

• Walks on line

• Hops multiple times on one foot

• Jumps forward about 2 ft

• Jumps over small obstacles

• Throws/catches small ball

• Runs and avoids obstacles

What fine motor skills are expected at preschool age, 3 to 4 years?

• Better crayon control

• Copies circle or cross

• Matches colors

• Cuts with scissors

• Draws recognizable human figure

• Draws squares

• May show hand preference

What gross motor skills are expected at early school age, 5 to 8 years?

• Skips

• Gallops

• Plays hopscotch

• Balances on one foot

• Controlled hopping/squatting

• Jumps rope

• Bounces large ball

• Improved kicking

What fine motor skills are expected at early school age, 5 to 8 years?

• Clear hand preference

• Prints well

• Begins cursive writing

• Buttons small buttons

What motor changes occur around 9 to 12 years?

• Mature running/jumping/throwing patterns

• Better balance

• Better coordination

• Better endurance

• Greater participation in competitive games

• Improved hand dexterity

• Handwriting becomes more developed