GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

0 – 1 YEAR OLDS

Gross Motor is the way in which the child gains control of the large muscles required for movement by using the different parts of the body for different functions. Briefly, these subsections are :
  1. Head and arm movement:
    This is the ability to support and turn the head from side to side and to use the arms to reach out for things.
  2. Trunk and hand movement:
    This refers to the ability to sit; grasp, transfer and manipulate objects and to roll the body over.
  3. Legs and feet movement:
    This is the ability to walk, run, walk on toes, jump, stand on one foot, hop, gallop, skip, throw, catch, bounce, kick, ride a tricycle and bicycle, climb and rhythm development.
This
Gross Motor Developmental Checklist
should serve the following two purposes:
 

  1. Use the checklist as a guide of gross motor development that you should be stimulating, through play or even through daily activities.

  2. Should you find that your child is not developing according to several items on the checklist, it is advised that you consult with an Occupational Therapist, General Practitioner (GP), Pediatrician, etc. for further advice. This list is a guide and should not be used for diagnostic purposes.
  SIX MONTHS (approximately)
 
  1. Is able to lift the head.
  2. Handles large objects by banging them, bringing them to the mouth.
  3. Can balance the head.
  4. Can sit supported in a chair.
  5. Splashes with his hands and feet in the bath.
  6. Enjoys being bounced on the knee.
   EIGHT MONTHS (approximately)

  1. Can roll over.
  2. Is able to sit up.
  3. May rear himself into a standing position by pulling on a stable object.
  4. Enjoys crawling.
  5. Can hold things at the handle.
  6. Is able to imitate simple actions.
  7. Enjoys kicking.
  8. Goes from the sitting position to the crawling position.
  9. Is able to pull himself up and to lower himself.
  10. Likes to walk with both hands being held.
   ONE YEAR (approximately)

  1. Can walk unaided (mostly unstable).
  2. Is able to stand balanced on both feet.
  3. Is able to turn around while standing.
  4. Enjoys climbing.
  5. Can sit unaided.
  6. Can roll a ball back and forwards.
  7. Likes to throw things.
  8. Enjoys waving “goodbye”.
  9. Beginning to enjoy rhythmic movements.