While all children are different, and develop physical skills, from walking up stairs to jumping rope to catching a ball, at different speeds. Most, however, will acquire motor skills along the age-by-age timeline listed below.
2 to 3 years old:
- walk up and down stairs; jump off one step
- kick a ball
- stand and walk on tiptoe
- run; dodge
3 to 4 years old:
- walk backward and forward unselfconsciously; turn and stop well
- jump off low steps or objects, but find it hard to jump over objects
- begin to ride trikes and pump on swings
- stand on one foot unsteadily; balance with difficulty on low four-inch balance beam while watching their feet
- play actively, but tire suddenly
4 to 5 years old:
- skip unevenly; run well
- stand on one foot for five seconds or more; master the low balance beam
- alternate feet when walking down stairs; judge well when placing feet on climbing structures
- jump on a small trampoline
- show awareness of things in environment (such as cars on the street), but still need supervision and help protecting self
- have increased endurance in play
5 to 6 years old:
- walk backward quickly; skip and run with agility and speed
- incorporate motor skills into games
- walk a two-inch balance beam easily; jump over objects
- hop well; jump down several steps; jump rope
- climb well; coordinate movements for swimming or bike riding
- show uneven perceptual judgment
- have high energy levels in play and rarely show signs of fatigue; find inactivity difficult and seek active games and environments
7 years old and up:
- have increased coordination for catching and throwing
- be able to participate in active games with rules
- sequence motor activities, as with gymnastics or shooting baskets
- have improved reaction time in responding to thrown balls or oncoming vehicles
