Gross Motor Skills

0-3 Months

• Turns head to each side when on back

• Holds head up 45 degrees when on tummy

• Head bob upright in supporting sitting

• Random body movements

3-6 Months

• Lifts chest from surface when on tummy

• Pushes up on straight elbows on tummy

• Rolls belly to back

• Sits with slight support or independently for brief movements

• Pivots around on belly

• Actively moves head when supported in sitting

• Head control in all positions

6-9 Months

• Sits independently

• Rolls back to belly

• Stands, holding on (may bounce on legs)

• Pulls to stand at furniture

• Belly crawls

• Gets into hands and knees position

9-12 Months

• Transitions from sitting to belly

• Creeps on hands and knees

• Stands momentarily

• Cruises along furniture

• Walks with hands held

12-18 Months

• Stands alone well

• Kneels

• Walks without support

• Creeps upstairs

• Walks with feet closer together and improving balance

• Runs-hurried walk

• Walks backward

• Walks upstairs with hand held

18-24 Months

• Kicks a ball forward

• Runs fairly well

• Moves on ride-on toys without pedals

• Walks downstairs with one hand held

• Climbs into adult chair

• Picks up toys from floor without falling

• Squats in play without losing balance

• Walks upstairs alone, both feet on step

• Walks downstairs holding rail, both feet on step

2-3 Years

• Jumps 8-14 inches

• Jumps from bottom step

• Catches large ball, using body to help

• Walks downstairs alone, places both feet on step

• Walks upstairs with support, alternating feet

• Climbs well

• Runs well, stopping and avoiding obstacles

• Pedals tricycle

• Imitates 1 foot standing

• Walks backward 10 feet

• Walks on toes

• Jumps sideways, backwards, and over a 2-8 inch hurdle

• Hops on one foot

• Stand on one foot 1-5 seconds

• Walks downstairs alternating feet (34+ months)

• Climbs playground equipment and ladders

• Catches 8 inch ball with hands

3-4 Years

• Gallops

• Hops on one foot

• Walks on a line

• Stands on one foot

• Jumps down from 12 inches with feet together

• Walks up and down stairs alternating feet without rail

4-5 Years

• Stands on one foot 8-10 seconds

• Skips, alternating feet

• Throws a ball to target

• Hops 5 time or more on one foot

• Begins jumping rope

• Pumps a swing

• Walks balance beam forward and backward

• Somersaults

5-8 years

• Stands on one foot 10 seconds or greater

• Catches a small ball with hands only

• Jumps over an object landing with feet together

• Walks tandem on a line

• Walks backwards heel to toe

• Walks balance beam

• Uses opposite step and throw to throw small ball

• Uses jump rope

• Rides bike without training wheels

• Skips well

• Kicks a soccer ball with fair control/accuracy