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: Ball skills

Age: 18-21 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 18-21 Months.

Observe the child in ball play with an adult or sibling. Have a box or other container to aim a medium-sized ball at.

If needed, model throwing the ball into the box, and then hand the ball to the child, and say, “See if you can throw it in.”

The child is learning to aim the ball and gaining better control over throwing toward a target.

Ball play is a good way to practice sharing and taking turns, as well as build upper and lower body coordination. Encourage early childhood educators and parents to play throwing and kicking games with the child and siblings or peers.