By: Emma Poole, PT, DPT

It’s that time of year again: back to school! As your child enters the new school year, you are likely concerned with helping them to meet assignment deadlines, preparing for tests, etc. Another important thing to keep in mind during the school year is motor milestones and whether your child is achieving them on time. Here is a list of a few motor milestones your school-aged child should be accomplishing by grade level:

• Preschool (4-5 years old):
  • Hop on one foot
  • Walk up and down stairs independently
• Kindergarten (5-6 years old):
  • Stand on one foot for at least 10 seconds
  • Skip independently
  • Catch a large ball thrown from about 10 feet away
• First grade (6-7 years old):
  • Jump rope
  • Ride a bike on 2 wheels
• Second grade (7-8 years old):
  • Skipping
  • Catch a small ball (like a tennis ball) consistently using only hands

It is important to remember that every child is different and each child may progress through milestones at their own pace. The list above can be used as a general guideline for what is considered a “typical” age for your child to achieve these motor milestones.

If you are unsure if your child is achieving these milestones on time, it can be helpful to consult their teacher or recess aide who may be able to provide you with more information on how your child is keeping up with peers.

As physical therapists, we are very knowledgeable about developmental milestones and we are trained on ways to help children to achieve these milestones. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child reaching these motor milestones, please contact your physical therapist or Children’s Therapy Place at 208-323-8888.