GROSS MOTOR MILESTONES FOR SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN

 

 

The PT Department at TherapyWorks in Tulsa frequently hears
the question “What should my child be doing at this age”?  It’s easy to forget what we did as a young
child and when gross motor milestones should be achieved.  Below is a list of common gross motor
milestones for school aged children and the age range they should be
accomplished.

 

 

Pre-School Age (3-4
Years)

 

Throws ball forward 10 feet

 

Walks on a line 10 feet

 

Hops 2-10 times on 1 foot

 

Jumps forward distances of up to 2 feet

 

Jumps over obstacles up to 12 inches off the ground

 

Throws and catches a small ball

 

Runs fast and avoids obstacles

 

 

Early School Age (5-8
Years)

 

Skips on alternate feet

 

Gallops

 

Hopscotch

 

Balances on 1 foot up to 10 seconds

 

Jumps with rhythm and control (jump rope)

 

Bounces large ball

 

Kicks ball with improved directional control

 

 

Later School Age
(9-12 Years)

 

Mature patterns of movement for throwing, jumping, and
running

 

Improved balance, coordination, endurance, and attention span

 

 

Adolescence (13+
Years)

 

It is important to note that a rapid growth spurt in size
and strength occurs around this age.  As
children grow there is a significant change in body proportions, center of
gravity, and limb lengths.  Because of
these changes balance skills, coordination, eye-hand coordination, and
endurance may plateau as the child adapts to their changing body.

 

Kea Averill, PTA, CFT, YFT

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant