North Carolina Early Learning and Development Progressions: Birth to Five

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

Subdomain: Motor Development

Goal: Children develop small muscle control and hand-eye coordination to manipulate objects and work with tools.

Skill Progression: Manipulation/Tool use

Age: 15-18 Months

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Increasing strength and differentiation of use of both sides of the hand allows use of tools, such as a mallet

Situations for Observation of Skill

Observe the child during playtime with blocks or stacking cups and toys with tools, such as a hammer.

Elicitation Strategy

No elicitation needed. If the toys are novel to the child, the adult may need to demonstrate.

Behavior Observed

The child picks up tools in a grasp appropriate for its use and uses force when necessary to pull or hit.

Routines-based Intervention (Embedded Instruction)

Encourage early childhood educators and parents to involve the child in activities that require them to adjust the use of force. For example, closing a door, pulling a wagon, carrying heavy books, all require different movements and force. Encourage parents to involve children in chores involving stacking, such as stacking cups, plates, and bowls.

 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015

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