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.