Toddler Physical Development Motor Skills and Development

Body Growth and DevelopmentAge in Months Height Weight

12 30 inches 21 pounds

18 32 in. 24.5 lbs

24 34 in. 27 lbs

30 36 in. 30 lbs

36 38 in. 32 lbs

Children’s height and weight increase steadily from ages one year to three years

Fat and Muscle Tissue•Fat deposits under the skin decrease rapidly between 9 and 30 months

Infant vs. Toddler

•Fine motor skills- ability to use hands and fingers

FMS 12-18 months

•Turns several pages of a book at a time

•Moves objects from hand to hand

FMS 18-24 months

•Stacks from two to four blocks

•Grasps crayons with a fist and scribbles

Fine Motor Activity #1

•Using your opposite hand, try to color in Elmo!

FMS 2- 2 1/2 years

•Stacks six blocks

•Turns one page at a time (why is this important)

•Picks up objects off the floor without losing balance

FMS 2 ½ - 3 years

•Stacks eight blocks

•Screws lids on and off containers

•Draws circles and lines

3-4 years

•Cuts with scissors

•Draws recognizable pictures

•Stacks 9-10 blocks

Fine Motor Activity #2

•Using your opposite hand, try to cut along the dotted lines

Gross Motor Skills

•Ability to use arms/legs/ and move body

GMS 12-18 months

•May walk alone

•Sits without help

10 Month Old Walking

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr3iqm91JRc

GMS 18-24 months

•Walks well

•Climbs up/down one stair

•Pull toys with wheels

Toddler Walking

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooNEVi5qm7k

GMS 2-2 ½ years

•Walks with coordination

•Jumps off bottom step

•Pushes self on wheeled toy

GMS 2 ½ -3 years•Alternates feet going up stairs (not down)

•Runs, but may not stop smoothly

•Throws a ball overhead, but inaccurately

GMS 3-4 years

•Jumps up and down in place with both feet

•Catches a ball with arms out straight

•Rides a tricycle

Gross Motor Skills

•How can we help toddlers develop their gross motor skills? •Brainstorm 3 activities caregivers can perform with their toddlers to help develop these skills.