tips and strategies for 19-24 month olds
Below are gross motor milestones that children 19-24 month olds should be meeting. To go along with these gross motor milestones, some basic tips and strategies are included to help your child meet these milestones.
runs forward 10 feet
TIPS/STRATEGIES:
- Play a game of tag.
- Play games that have your child race with their sibling/peer.
- Provide single hand held assist if needed and slowly increase speed as tolerated by child.
walks with one foot on a 4 inch line for up to 6 feet
TIPS/STRATEGIES:
- Start by having child walk along 8 inch balance beam (or line on floor), giving assistance as needed.
- Progress from an 8 inch balance beam or line to 6 inch balance beam or line.
- Give 2 hand held assist, progressing to single hand held assist, until no assistance is needed.
walks sideways for 10 feet
TIPS/STRATEGIES:
- Play a game of "Simon Says", having the child imitate you walking side ways.
- Have child walk down hallway with back against the wall for support.
- Holding onto child's hands, guide your child side to side.
jumps forward 4 inches without falling
TIPS/STRATEGIES:
- Start by holding child's hand(s) as he/she jumps down from low objects and/or stairs.
- Lay a rope on the floor in a wavy shape, like a long snake. Tell child to jump over the snake.
- Tell the child to reach for the sky when jumping and to push with legs. Tell the child to lean forward and then ask them to hop like a frog.
- Model the correct jumping techniques: arms backward, legs bent, body leaning forward and knees slightly bent on landing. Provide cues to the child for using the correct form while jumping, such as, "swing your arms forward", "bend your knees".
walks up 4 steps without support from wall or rail
TIPS/STRATEGIES:
- Start by stepping up onto short box, curb, etc.
- Take child to a playground and encourage them to use equipment with stairs. Give them assistance as needed to go up the steps.