Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Health and Physical Development (HPD)

Subdomain: Motor Development

Goal: Children develop the large muscle control and abilities needed to move through and explore their environment.

Skill Progression: Locomotion: Crawling/walking/running

Age: 27-30 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 27-30 Months.

Create a zoo in the living room or dramatic play area. Place kitchen chairs around for cages, pillows for “rocks” or ponds, and plastic food (or real snacks). If there are stairs available make them one of the cages or have furniture the child can climb on. Add balls for the monkeys to play with in their cage.

Elicit a variety of movements by encouraging the child to do what the animals do in the zoo. Be monkeys and chase each other and climb up and down “trees.” Walk backwards to get away from the tiger. Walk on toes to sneak up on the snakes.

The child has the motor planning skills to walk and jump backwards and run around objects without running into them. She is also able to alternate feet when climbing up and down stairs, but needs to hold a hand or the railing.

Running, jumping, climbing, and playing ball typically occurs outdoors, but that is not always an option. Early childhood educators and parents can also provide indoor opportunities for motor activities.