GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

4 - 5 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.
  FOUR YEARS (approximately)
 
  • Walks and runs alone up and down stairs with one foot on each stair.
  • Likes to walk on a line.
  • Can turn sharply when running.
  • Likes to bounce balls using both hands.
  • Enjoys jumping from a low height using both feet.
  • Is able to stand on one foot for a few seconds.
  • Can hop on one foot for a short while.
  • Can roll a ball.
  • Is able to catch small objects.
  • Likes to run on tiptoe.
  • Walks up to a ball and kicks it.
  • Thoroughly enjoys riding the tricycle / bicycle and making U- turns.
  • Can climb trees and ladders using alternating arms and legs.
  • Loves to walk to a rhythm.
  • Can move separate parts of the body to music.
  FIVE YEARS (approximately)
  
  • Thoroughly enjoys swinging.
  • Likes to walk using heel and toe movement.
  • Walks up and down stairs while carrying things.
  • Loves to stop, start and turn while running.
  • Can run lightly on toes.
  • Can jump with both feet.
  • Can stand on either foot for a short while.
  • Loves to hop forward on one foot.
  • Loves to gallop in a co-ordinated manner.
  • Loves skipping using alternating feet.
  • Loves to slide.
  • Enjoys digging.
  • Marches to the music.
  • Loves to dance to music using rhythmic movements.