tips and strategies for 31-36 month olds
Below are gross motor milestones that children 31-36 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.
jumps over string 2 inches off floor without tripping
TIPS/STRATEGIES:
- Start with holding child's hand(s) as he/she jumps down from low objects and/or stairs.
- Lay a rope 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 push with legs. Tell the child to lean forward and then ask the child to jump like a frog.
- Model 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 to 8 feet on tip-toes
TIPS/STRATEGIES:
- Be sure the child knows how to stand on his/her tip-toes.
- Show the child how to walk on tip-toes to walk quietly. Hold the child by both hands from behind to provide support if needed, or let the child walk holding onto the wall with one hand.
- Play games where the child must walk on tip-toes to be quiet, such as a game of hide and seek.
- Have the child reach for items on a shelf or counter by walking on tip-toes.
stands on one foot for up to 3 seconds
TIPS/STRATEGIES:
- Be sure the child is able to stand with both feet close together and stay balanced. Let the child stand on two footprints placed side by side or one in front of the other, heel touching toe.
- Place a 5-6 foot rope on the floor and have the child slowly step across the rope and back. Show the child how to lift the foot high and balance on one foot momentarily. Hold the child's hand if support is needed. Gradually release support as child shows readiness.
- Show the child how to balance on one foot, first with arms extended out to the side, then with hands on the hips. Ask the child to count the seconds with you. If the child is having difficulty, allow the balancing to be done next to a wall or rail.