GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

1 – 2 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 :
  • 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.
  • Trunk and hand movement:
    This refers to the ability to sit; grasp, transfer and manipulate objects and to roll the body over.
  • 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.
  ONE YEAR (approximately)
  
  • Can walk unaided with hands outstretched.
  • Is able to stand balanced on both feet.
  • Can sit unaided.
  • Is able to turn around while standing.
  • Enjoys climbing.
  • Can roll a ball back and forwards.
  • Likes to throw things.
  • Enjoys waving “goodbye”.
  • Beginning to enjoy rhythmic movements.
   ONE–AND-A-HALF YEARS (approximately)

  • Enjoys pushing things around eg. the shopping trolley.
  • Runs stiffly.
  • Enjoys going up and down stairs.
  • Likes to walk backwards.
  • Stands on one spot and sways to music.
  • Likes to turn knobs on the radio.
   TWO YEARS (approximately)

  • Walks with bent knees and elbows.
  • Bends at the waist when picking things up from the floor.
  • Leans forward when running.
  • Climbs stairs placing both feet on each stair.
  • Enjoys kicking a ball.
  • Likes to dig.
  • Likes to pull and push things.
  • Enjoys throwing objects.
  • Likes to walk on low ledges while holding an adult's hand.