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.
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)
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
Throws and catches a small ball
Runs fast and avoids obstacles
Early School Age (5-8
Years)
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)
(9-12 Years)
Mature patterns of movement for throwing, jumping, and
running
running
Improved balance, coordination, endurance, and attention span
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.
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