Gross Motor Development
Milestones are a helpful tool for determining whether or not a child has mastered a certain skill. It's important to be mindful that all children develop at different rates but these are useful guidelines to know if a child may be experiencing delays.
The link has checklists parents can use to determine whether or not their child is hitting each milestone at the appropriate time or if they are experiencing atypical development.
4-6 yr
- Walks downstairs alternating feet
- Can stand on one foot 3-5 seconds
- Jumps increased distance; jumps over objects
- Hops a few feet
- Begins to skip
- Kicks and bounces large ball
- Runs fast, avoiding obstacles (mature run)
- Can walk a line 10 ft.
- Walks balance beam alternating feet
6-10 yr
- Postural control is adult-like by 7-10 yrs
- Adult balance strategies developed by age 10
- Masters adult forms of running, jumping
- Hops and skips skillfully by age 6
Adolescence
- Development of specialized movement skills such as dodging, balancing, leaping, sliding, advanced climbing, volleying, and trapping permitting success in sports and recreational activities
Sources: Alexander, R., Boehme, R., & Cupps, B. (1993). Normal development of functional motor skills. Tuscon, AZ: Therapy Skill Builders; Bly, L (1994). Motor skills acquisition in the first year. Tucson, AX: Therapy Skill Builders; Gallahue, D. L., & Ozmun, J.C. (2002). Understanding motor development; Infants, children, adolescents, adults (4th ed). New York: McGraw-Hill; Miller Porr, S., & Berger Rainville, E. (1999). Pediatric therapy: A systems approach. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis; and Ratliffe, K.T. (1998). Clinical pediatric physical therapy; A guide for the physical therapy team. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
