Component 2: Gross Motor Development
Learning Goal 2.a: Children develop large muscle control, strength, and coordination.
By 9 months, most children:
- Reach and play with toys while sitting
- Reach for objects and bring them to their mouth
- Pound on a table and other objects
- Roll both ways (front to back and back to front)
- Get into sitting position without help while lying down or crawling
- Sit without support
- Pull up to a standing position

By 18 months, most children:
- Squat to pick up toys or other objects
- Jump with feet apart
- Carry a toy while walking
- Stand on one foot with assistance

By 24 months, most children:
- Bend or stoop over to pick up a toy or other object
- Pull toys behind themselves
- Climb onto and off of couches, chairs, large rocks, or logs
- Roll a large ball
- Toss a ball into a large container
- Sit on and move small-wheeled riding toys

By 36 months, most children:
- Play “catch” using a large rubber ball
- Throw underhand with some direction
- Climb on outdoor play equipment

By 48 months, most children:
- Pedal a tricycle
- Aim and throw a ball overhand toward a target
- Bounce a ball
- Hit a stationary ball with a plastic or foam bat
- Use arms and legs in a coordinated manner to “pump” on a swing
- Jump off a bottom step with two feet
- Jump with two feet over small objects

By 60 months, most children:
- Catch a small ball with two hands
- Bounce a ball and catch it
- Aim and throw a ball with some accuracy
