Large Motor

Development is a predictable sequence. It begins with the inner body-the core, head, neck, arms and legs- and moves to outer body-hands, feet, fingers, toes. Children should be given plenty of time, space and opportunities to discover and move. Physical activity improves and strengthens bones, muscles, the heart, lungs, coordination, balance, posture, flexibility, confidence, sleep, concentration, social-emotional skills, and cooperation. In a recent study, there were also positive benefits observed in language learning, academic achievement, attention, and working memory (Zeng et. al.).

What are large motor skills? Movement that involves the large muscles in our arms, legs and torsos.

Why are they important? They allow us to move and explore every day!

Did you know…? The average toddler takes about 14,000 steps per day? That’s more than 2½ miles! (pathways.org, 2022)

Infants (birth to 1 year)

Newborn to 2 months

    • Turns head both ways while laying

    • Kicks legs, move arms

3-5 months

  • Raises head when body is lifted to sitting position

  • Pushes up and turns head when on belly

  • Rolls belly to back, then back to belly

  • Supports own head while held in sitting position

  • Pulls feet to mouth

  • Spins on belly during tummy time

6-8 months

  • Sitting unassisted

  • Reaches for toys

  • Crawls on belly

  • 9-11 months

  • Transfers to sitting position from laying down

  • Crawling

  • Pulls to stand

  • Cruising

  • Walks (while holding 2 hands)

11-12 months

  • Walks steadier (with 1 hand held)

  • Pulls or push toys with wheels

  • Stands alone briefly

Help Skills Develop by…

  • Allowing to climb, crawl and walk over various surfaces such as blankets, pillow, or a yoga mat

  • Hold in a sitting position on top of a yoga ball

  • Hang objects in front of baby to reach for

  • Put a sensory bag or bottle (water, oil, glitter, water beads) in front of baby during tummy time

  • Fill bottle with pasta, rice, paperclips or beans. Shake it from side to side to encourage head movement. Give to baby to shake, too!

  • Put fabric, tulle or ribbon, in an empty baby wipe container to pull out.

  • Box climbing

  • Dancing to Music

Toddler (1 year & 2 Years)

12-18 months

  • Walks alone

  • Squats and stands back up

  • Stands up from floor

  • Starts to climb

  • Starts to run (still falls)

18-24 months

  • Climb and stand on chair

  • Stand on tiptoes

  • Music-develop sense of rhythm

2 Years

  • Walk between two straight lines

  • walk backwards

  • Run without falling

  • Play on swings, ladders and other equipment

  • Pick up toys from floor without falling

  • Pull or carry toy while walking

Help Skills Develop by…

  • Tunnels

  • Parachute

  • Help cleaning up (picking up toys from floor and putting away)

  • Stepping stones

  • Pillow bridge

  • Toss ball in basket

  • Painters tape on ground to follow lines

  • Dancing to music

  • Using a broom, sweet objects into a specific space (boxed off with painters tape or masking tape on floor)

Preschool (3 years - 5 years)

3 Years

  • Balance one foot few seconds

  • Ride tricycle

  • Walk on tip toes

4 Years

  • Run jump climb skip

  • Somersault

  • Walk on line

5 Years

  • Skate swim bike

  • Climb well

  • Skip after demonstration

  • Hang bar 5 sec

Help Skills Develop by…

  • Dancing to Music & Listen and Move songs

  • Hopscotch

  • Jump rope

  • Balance beam

  • Limbo

  • Hand balloon from ceiling to jump and tap

  • Yarn around chairs to create a “laser” obstacle course

  • Twister

Ball

Throw (by 18 months)

Roll & Kick (by 2 years)

Catch with body (by 3)

Catch & Throw overarm (by 4)

Step & Throw; Catch small ball (by 5)


Jump

2 feet (by 2)

Forward (by 3)

Hop one foot & Jump over object (by 4)

Forward 10 times

Stairs

Crawls up then down (down going on belly, backwards, feet first) (12-18 Months)

Walks up (holding a hand) (18-21 Months)

Walks up and down alone (holding rail) (by 2 years)

Walks up alternating feet (by 3 years)

Walks up holding object ((by 5 years)

Tips & Suggestions

Alternate the sides baby lays in crib (always on back is suggested)

Provide structured play and allow unstructured large motor opportunities

Total of about 60 minutes of large motor opportunities every day

Make it fun! Get involved!

All information is to be used as a guide of developmental progression. Each child is unique! Any concerns or questions should be brought to the attention of a professional.