YMCA Family Centers at Walt Disney World® Resorts : Child Development

Parents

Children’s brains are most active when their bodies are active.
Provide many opportunities for children to play outside, run, jump and climb.
Children develop from the head down and from the heart out.
Fine motor control occurs after large motor control is developed.
Children need many experiences painting and moving before asking them to sit and write letters and numbers.

Your Child Will:

Birth to 6 Months of Age
Hold up head on own
Recognize caregivers
Reach for objects
Cry when they need/want you
Imitate your movements
Dislike brightness, strong odors
Suck fingers

1 to 2 Years of Age
Reach for you
Dance or move to music - slower than beat
Walk without assistance
Build block towers with help
Try to dress self
Drink from a cup with a top
Move with some control

3 to 4 Years of Age
Choose own clothes and tries to dress self
Play catch
Cut with safety scissors
Scribble on paper
Jump up and down
Tear paper
Uses strength to perform tasks

6 Months to 1 Year of Age
Play with pots, pans and boxes
Roll over, crawl, walk
Use action toys – push and pull
Sit without support
Switch toys from one hand
Put everything in mouth
Grasp and let go

2 to 3 Years of Age
Run, jump and climb
Walk up steps holding your hand
Bounce a ball to you
Scribble with crayon or markers
Eat with spoon
Draw a circle
Explore use of art tools

4 to 5 Years of Age
Hold pencil, crayon or marker
Ride a bike with training wheels
Dress self
Throw and catch a ball
Begin to write
Try to tie shoes
Coordinate movement for tasks