| PHYSICAL MILESTONES |
| From infancy on, movement is an essential part of a child's emotional and physical development. Young children learn about themselves and the world around them through exploring, practicing, and mastering physical movements and skills. You can enhance your child's self-esteem, growth, and happiness by encouraging her to test her physical limits, develop new skills, and have fun moving. Here's a look at how your child develops physically and attains new motor skills. You can help her grow strong and confident by providing her with safe opportunities, toys, and equipment both indoors and out. |
| YOUR CHILD MAY .... YOU CAN .... 0-2 Roll over, lift her head and chest,and Give your 7 to 12 month old cars sit with adult support by 5 months. and animals on wheels to push. Crawl and walk by holding on to Guide your 1 year old to use something by 8 months. tunnels, low toddler stairs with rails, and swings with curved Begin to walk on her on between 10 seats and front closings. and 16 months. Encourage your 2 year old to use Grasp and hold objects between low climbers, swings, and 7 and 12 months. foot-propelled bikes (no pedals). Kick balls, go down low slides, and run without falling by 2. ______________________________________________________________________ 3-4 Jump, climb, rool, and even do Make sure your outdoor play somersaults by age 3. environment is safe so your child can freely explore. Run, jump, climb, and balance with assurance by age 4. Provide 3 and 4 wheeled pedal toys, lightweight balls and bats, Learn to pedat a tricycle. climbing equipment, and slides. Throw and catch balls and beanbags. Arrange activities that have an educational purpose (exploring String beads, handle small items, and cooperation, shadows, sizes, draw recognizable pictures. and so on). ______________________________________________________________________ 5-6 Achieve the motor and thinking Help your child to use jump skills to play games with simple ropes, low-slung tricycles, rules, become interested in swinging bridges, and team sports. balance beams. Kick, throw, and catch balls. Guide your child to create and organize collaborative Develop the ability to use many games. skills at once and do complex physical actions. Encourage your child to focus on trying to do her best Learn to swim and use roller rather than competing with skates or blades by age 6. others. Help your child feel comfortable with her physical abilities and accept and respect the abilities of other children ______________________________________________________________________ |
 |
|