tips and strategies for 37-42 month olds
Below are gross motor milestones that children 37-42 months old 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.
walks forward on a 4 inch line for up to 8 feet without stepping off
TIPS AND STRATEGIES:
- Start with two lines about 8 feet long placed 6 inches apart. Show the child how to stand between the two lines with one foot in front of the other. Then walk between the two lines placing one foot in front of the other without heels touching toes.
- Make paths that vary in width (6 and 4 inches), length and direction. Play follow the leader and walk through the paths.
- Provide support for the child as he or she walks forward and backward along a sidewalk curb. Give support as needed.
- Go to a playground and help the child walk on raised beams, along the edges of a brick path, or on a painted line. Have the child start, stop and turn on the lines, as well as walk backward.
STANDS ON ONE FOOT FOR UP TO 5 SECONDS
TIPS AND STRATEGIES:
- Place a 5 to 6 foot rope/stick, 2-3 inches off the floor and have the child slowly step over the rope/stick. 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 steadiness.
- 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.
tHROWS A SMALL BALL UP TO 10 FEET USING OVERHAND THROW
TIPS AND STRATEGIES:
- Sit behind the child on the floor facing a wall about 3 feet away. Take the child’s hands and help him/her roll the ball toward the wall. Place a potato chip can or clean milk carton about a foot from the wall as a target. Continue until the child is able to roll the ball with little or no physical assistance.
- Use sponges, foam and whiffle balls and beanbags for the child to explore throwing. Suspend hoops, tires and so on at the child’s trunk height. First have the child drop beanbags, or sock balls through the hoop, stepping back as tolerated.
- Throw sponge or yarn balls back and forth with the child from distances of 3-5 feet.
CATCHES 8 INCH BALL WITH TWO HANDS
TIPS AND STRATEGIES:
- Sit behind the child and guide the child’s arms and hands to corral a ball placed between his/her legs near the feet. From the front of the child, push the ball gently toward the child and tell him/her to get the ball.
- Roll brightly colored balls toward the child and ask him/her to catch each one.
- Toss a 6-10 inch lightweight ball or beanbag to the child from 3-5 feet away and tell the child to catch.
- Practice having child catch a balloon that is tossed in the air.