Developing Motor Skills

Every child can do more with each passing year. The following examples detail what one child might be expected to accomplish from ages 2 to 6. But each child is unique, and much depends on culture, practice, and maturity.

2 years

Average height: boys 34.1 inches; girls 33.5 inches.

Skills: Run without falling, climb out of crib, walk up stairs, feed self with spoon, draw spirals.

An accompanying photo shows a toddler walking up stairs.

3 years

Average height: boys 37.5 inches; girls 37.0 inches.

Skills: Kick and throw a ball, jump with both feet, pedal a tricycle, copy simple shapes, walk down stairs, climb ladders.

An accompanying photo shows a child climbing a ladder.

4 years

Average height: boys 40.5 inches; girls 40 inches;

Skills: Catch a beach ball, use scissors, hop on either foot, feed self with fork, dress self, copy most letters, pour juice without spilling, brush teeth.

An accompanying photo shows a child brushing teeth.

5 years

Average height: boys 43.0 inches; girls 42.5 inches.

Skills: Skip and gallop in rhythm, clap, bang, sing in rhythm, copy difficult shapes and letters, climb trees, jump over things, use a knife to cut, wash face, comb hair.

An accompanying photo shows a close-up view of a child's hands, using a knife to cut a strawberry.

6 years

Average height: boys 45.5 inches; girls 45.0 inches.

Skills: Draw and paint recognizable images, write simple words, read a page of print, tie shoes, catch a small ball.

An accompanying photo shows a young girl tying her shoelaces while she sits on the ground.