Movement: By the End of 3, 4, and 5 Years
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Topics: Early Years (Birth-5), Preschool, Motor (Ages 3-5)
Topics: Early Years (Birth-5), Preschool, Motor (Ages 3-5)
What movements and activities should children be able to perform by age 3, 4, or 5? What's developmentally appropriate? While every child develops at her own pace, here are some typical movement milestones during the preschool years, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
By the end of 3 years (36 months):
- Climbs well
- Walks up and down stairs, alternating feet (one foot per stair step)
- Kicks ball Runs easily
- Pedals tricycle
- Bends over easily without falling
By the end of 4 years (48 months):
- Hops and stands on one foot up to five seconds
- Goes upstairs and downstairs without support
- Kicks ball forward
- Throws ball overhand
- Catches bounced ball most of the time
- Moves forward and backward with agility
By the end of 5 years (60 months):
- Stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer
- Hops, somersaults
- Swings, climbs
- May be able to skip.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention content is free and public domain.
Take Action
- this article with friends and family.
- Have a question about Early Years (Birth-5)? Ask it here.
- Publish your work on education.com.
