Physical Development

Physical Milestones for Pre-K and Kindergartners:

Kids tend to be fairly active at this age and can run, hop, skip and jump without tripping over their own feet. Most 5-year-olds learn to do these things:

Gross Motor Skills

  • Walk on tiptoes and heel-to-toe like on a balance beam
  • Jump rope and pump legs to swing alone
  • Stand and hop on each foot
  • Catch a ball the size of a softball
  • Start to move in different ways at the same time to do things like swim, dribble a basketball or dance

Fine Motor Skills

  • Use one hand more than the other (known as “hand dominance”)
  • Hold a pencil using a tripod grip (two fingers and a thumb)
  • Cut out basic shapes with scissors; may be able to cut a straight line
  • Use a fork, spoon and knife easily
  • Be able to wipe and wash after using the bathroom

Physical Milestones for 1st graders:

Most children gain stamina and coordination during first grade. They typically start the year uncoordinated and clumsy, because the big muscles in arms and legs are better developed than the small muscles used for smaller movements. What they can do physically doesn’t change as much as how well they’re able to do it. Most children reach these milestones in first grade:

  • Have improved hand-eye coordination for things like kicking a ball or tying shoelaces
  • Dance in time with the music, perhaps even adding cool moves like spinning in place without moving from one spot
  • Have improved handwriting that becomes neater and easier to read

Physical Milestones for 2nd and 3rd graders:

At ages 7 and 8, your child may be working on refining her physical skills. Her fine motor control and stamina may improve. Most second and third graders:

  • Gain strength in both big and small muscles; can play and be active for longer periods without getting tired
  • Use the small muscles in hands better; do much better with handwriting, scissor skills and manipulating things like buttons, zippers and shoelaces
  • Start being able to run farther and for longer

Physical Milestones for 4th and 5th graders:

Your child’s body is working hard as puberty approaches. Most boys and girls grow steadily, only to speed up by age 11 or 12. Girls and boys start developing at different rates. Girls tend to have their growth spurt between ages 9 and 11, while boys have theirs between ages 11 and 12. Most kids in fourth and fifth grade:

  • Have an increased appetite and need more sleep (Explore tips to get your child on a healthy sleep schedule.)
  • Use one hand and foot much better than the other (“Right/left dominance” starts at around age 7 and is set around fourth or fifth grade.)
  • Develop hand-eye coordination quickly (This also may be when you notice your child’s need for glasses.)
  • Show improvement in handwriting and the ability to use tools
  • Complain of growing pains or muscle cramps