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Motor skills are an important part of a child’s development.
Toddlers explore the world around them through their hands and feet as they touch, grab, crawl, stand, run, and jump!
This blog post will discuss toddler fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and milestones that can be expected.
We will also talk about simple ways to encourage toddler motor development through play and daily routines for your little one!
Do you have concerns about your child’s motor skills development?
Keep in mind that every child is different and will develop at their own pace!
As we look at different motor skills keep in mind that there is a wide range when it comes to what typical development looks like and you should not compare your child to another child because that is not helpful!
If you ever have concerns about your child meeting developmental milestones it is important to contact early intervention for a screening or evaluation.
What is the difference between gross motor skills and fine motor skills?
Gross motor skills refer to the way children use their large muscles to learn skills like jumping, running, and climbing which are very important in the toddler years!
Fine motor skills refer to smaller muscle groups in your hands that are used for things like picking up small objects, writing/drawing, and turning the page in a book.
Motor Skills 12-18 Months
If your little one isn’t walking yet chances are they will be soon!
Toddlers typically start walking on their own around 12-15 months of age.
This is a really exciting time for your child and they will be eager to explore the world in a new way!
Toddlers’ gross motor skills are developing quickly at this stage, as they are learning how to navigate all sorts of surfaces.
After they have learned to walk you will continue to notice them becoming more coordinated and move into a hurried walk and then be able to run.
Have you noticed your child throwing everything?
This is because throwing is a skill your child really starts to focus on.
Toddlers might also start to kick and throw a ball, which is great for their gross motor skills!
When it comes to fine motor skills your toddler will be able to draw or scribble spontaneously on paper.
Kids will also master the skill of drinking from a cup, and learn how to use more complex utensils like forks and spoons.
Your child may also be very interested in putting things in containers and taking them out.
Stacking blocks or other objects up and knocking them down also becomes a source of entertainment.
Motor Skills 18-24 Months
Your child’s walking/running skills have continued to become more coordinated and balanced meaning your little one is falling less.
They may now be interested in pushing and pulling larger objects like boxes or toy shopping carts.
Climbing, going downstairs, and jumping will also become more of a focus for your toddler.
When it comes to drawing and scribbling your toddler may be able to imitate simple verticle lines or even a circle.
Hand-eye coordination is improving so those block stacks are getting higher and they may be able to do things like fold a piece of paper in half.
Motor Skills 24-36 Months
Your toddler is on the move these days!
They’re probably running, jumping, climbing, and spinning with ease now.
When playing a game of “Simon Says” you may notice your toddler can do things like stand and hop on one foot.
Active play should be incorporated frequently into your day so that they can practice these skills and burn energy.
They may now be able to walk upstairs with alternating feet, but going down they may still need a bit more practice.
Pushing/pulling larger objects will likely still be a focus for your toddler along with more complex tasks like stacking blocks in order from smallest to largest or drawing vertical lines.
Simple Ways to Build Fine Motor Skills During Play
There are many ways that you can help your toddler build fine more skills throughout the day.
Play is one of the ways children learn best so providing them with opportunities to use their hands can be a great way to books fine motor abilities.
Some of the best toys for fine motor play include:
Blocks: Toddlers can stack blocks on top of one another, organize them in a row by size, or use them to ‘build’ things like houses and castles. Blocks like these work great.
Playdough: Toddlers love exploring with their hands! Playdough is great for fine motor skills because it requires your child to squeeze, squish, pinch and pull using their hands. There are all sorts of fun tools that they can use as well.
Puzzles: Toddlers can start with puzzles that have a few pieces and work their way up to more complex ones. I also love these magnetic puzzles to switch it up a bit!
Balls: Balls are great for gross motor skills, but they can also help improve hand-eye coordination. Toddlers can roll them, toss them, and catch them. A set like this is great to start with.
Books: Toddlers will turn pages in books, point to things they see, and hold the book themselves. You can see some of my favorite toddler books here.
You can see some of my favorite fine motor toys for toddlers HERE
Help Them Develop Fine Motor Skills Through Daily Routines
Another one of my favorite ways for toddlers to practice fine motor skills is by working on them during daily routines.
Look for opportunities that already exist in your day where you can embed that practice of fine motor skills.
For example, think about all the practice they get during snacks and mealtimes.
Toddlers need to use their hands to:
– Pour snacks from the container into their bowl
– Pick up food with utensils and bring it to their mouths
– Use a napkin or handkerchief to clean up after themselves
– Hold a cup or glass without spilling
You could give them even more opportunities by including them in meal prep and having them help with things like:
– Chopping vegetables with a safe knife
– Mixing ingredients in a bowl
– Sprinkling spices on food
– Pushing the buttons on the microwave to heat something up
How to Encourage Gross Motor Development Through Play
Active play is crucial for toddlers to encourage gross motor skills.
When they’re constantly on the go, their bodies are able to develop and improve balance, coordination, strength, and agility.
Some great ways to get your toddler moving in some fun ways include:
– Taking them outside to run around and explore
– Going for walks and following their lead
– Playing games like “Simon Says” or freeze dance
– Toddler and preschool yoga (It’s such a great way for them to move their bodies in new ways!)
-Pretending to be animals
You can find more gross motor activities for toddlers here.
When you build activities like this into your day your little one will burn energy as well as get lots of practice moving their muscles.
Find what works for you and your little one!
Here are some of my favorite toys that are great for gross motor play.
Encourage Gross Motor Skills Through Daily Routines
Toddlers are always on the go, but you can still encourage gross motor skills in some simple ways during your daily routines.
One of my favorite ways to do this is to get creative with chores around the house.
– Have them help you sweep the floor by picking up the broom and sweeping in front of them
– Let them help you carry groceries-just pack the bags a little lighter!
– Give them a watering can and have them water plants or flowers with it
– Let them help you make the bed by pulling up the sheets and blankets
All of these simple activities require balance, coordination, and will help your child build strength.
Your Toddler is Always Gaining New Skills!
As a parent, you can help them by providing opportunities for fine-motor practice during daily routines like mealtimes or chores around the house.
You might also want to think about purchasing toys that encourage both types of toddler motor skill development.
Related Posts You Will Enjoy
Social and Emotional Activities for Toddlers
Try These Biting Strategies for Toddlers
The Best Gifts for Toddlers that aren’t Toys!
Communication Pictures for Toddlers
Toddler Brushing Teeth: 5 Ways to Make it Easier!
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions about Motor Skills
Some of the best ways to encourage gross and fine motor control are by looking for ways to build these skills into play and daily routines. This allows your little to learn in ways that are natural to them and offer lots of repetitive practice.
Keep in mind that all children develop at their own pace. Being aware of milestones can be helpful. If you have concerns about development in any area before to contact early intervention to get a screening or evaluation completed.
Some examples of fine motors skills in toddlers include things like: scribbling on paper, turning pages in books, drinking from a cup, and using utensils at mealtimes.
Some examples of gross motor skills include jumping, running, and throwing a ball. These skills include the larger muscles groups that your toddler uses.
If you have concerns about your child’s motor skills reach out to early intervention for a screening or evaluation.
Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.