Three Through Eight Years Old Date Observed Date Observed
3 years
Walks up and down stairs unassisted, alternating feet going up but
one step at a time coming down
Balances on one foot for a few seconds
Kicks a large ball, catches a large bounced ball with both arms
extended
Feeds self; needs minimal assistance
Jumps in place
Pedals a small tricycle or other wheeled toy
With crayon, uses vertical, horizontal and circular strokes
Holds crayon or marker between first two fingers thumb
Turns pages of a book one at a time
Builds a tower of eight or more blocks
Begins to show hand dominance
Carries a container of liquid, such as a cup of milk, without much
spilling, pours from pitcher into another container
Manipulates large buttons and zippers on clothing
Washes and dries hands, brushes own teeth but
not thoroughly
Achieves bladder control. (Write age here) ___
4 years
Walks a straight line (tape or chalk line on the floor)
Hops on one foot
Pedals and steers a wheeled toy, avoiding obstacles
Climbs ladders, trees, playground equipment
Jumps over objects 5 or 6 inches high; lands with both
feet together
Figure 42 Physical Development Checklist, Three Through Eight Years Old
Figure 42 Continued.
Three Through Eight Years Old Date Observed Date Observed
Runs, starts, stops, and moves around obstacles with ease
Throws a ball overhand
Builds a tower with ten or more blocks
Forms shapes out of clay cookies, snakes
Draws some shapes and letters
Holds crayon or marker between two fingers (not fist hold)
Prints name and other words
Paints and draws with a purpose; names drawings, but most are
unrecognizable
Threads small wooden beads on a string
5 years
Walks backward, heel to toe
Walks unassisted up and down stairs, alternating feet
Can turn somersaults
Touches toes without flexing knees
Cuts on a designated line
Prints some letters
Dresses self with minimal assistance
6 years
Can ride a bicycle without training wheels
Walks across a balance beam
Skips with alternating feet
Body movements more precise but still some uncoordination
(Continued)
Figure 42 Continued.
Three Through Eight Years Old Date Observed Date Observed
Shows well-established right or left handedness
Writes numbers and letters with varying degrees of precision and
interest
Folds and cuts paper into simple shapes
7 years
Balances on either foot
Bats balls, manipulates computer mouse, knits, paints with
accuracy
Practices new motor skills until mastered
Uses eating utensils with ease
Holds pencil in tight grasp near tip
8 years
Can play social games like team sports, dancing
Improved agility, balance, speed, strength
Takes care of own personal hygiene without assistance
Copies words and numbers from blackboard with accuracy
Source: Adapted from Marotz & Allen (2016). Developmental Profiles: Pre-Birth Through Twelve, Wadsworth Cengage Learning/Week
by Week, 6e, pp. 8283.
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