Gross Motor Skills Checklist

 

Gross Motor Skills Checklist

Skill

How to Assess

Expected Response

Response Observed

Comments

Cross Crawls

Have the child crawl across a mat or floor, alternating arms and legs.

Smooth, coordinated crawling with alternating limbs.

Jumping Jacks

Ask the child to perform jumping jacks.

Performs jumping jacks with arms and legs moving simultaneously.

Throws Ball at Target

Have the child throw a ball towards a target (e.g., hoop or marked spot).

Accurate throws with good aim.

Catches Small Ball

Toss a small ball to the child and observe their catching ability.

Catches the ball with hands, demonstrating coordination.

Stands on One Foot (Eyes Open)

Ask the child to stand on one foot while keeping eyes open.

Maintains balance for a minimum of 10 seconds.

Stands on One Foot (Eyes Closed)

Ask the child to stand on one foot with eyes closed.

Maintains balance for a minimum of 5 seconds.

Walks Across Balance Beam

Have the child walk across a narrow balance beam.

Walks across the beam with minimal step-offs.

Runs

Observe the child running in a straight line.

Runs with smooth, coordinated movements.

Climbs Stairs

Observe the child climbing stairs, one foot per step.

Climbs stairs with alternating feet, without assistance.

Kicks a Ball

Have the child kick a ball forward.

Kicks the ball with appropriate force and direction.

Fine Motor Skills Checklist

Skill

How to Assess

Expected Response

Response Observed

Comments

Pincer Grasp

Give the child small objects to pick up using thumb and index finger.

Uses pincer grasp effectively to pick up objects.

Puts Pegs into Pegboard

Provide a pegboard with pegs and observe the child placing pegs into holes.

Places pegs into the correct holes.

Translates Objects Between Fingers

Ask the child to move an object from the fingertips to the palm and vice versa.

Moves objects smoothly between fingers and palm.

Sequentially Touches Each Fingertip to Thumb

Have the child touch the tip of each finger to their thumb, one at a time.

Completes the sequence smoothly and accurately.

Pencil Grasp

Observe the child holding a pencil and drawing or writing.

Uses an appropriate pencil grasp (static/dynamic).

Hand Strength

Assess by having the child squeeze a handgrip or hold onto an object.

Demonstrates appropriate hand strength.

Buttoning and Zipping

Have the child button a shirt or zip up a jacket.

Buttons/zips independently or with minimal assistance.

Cutting with Scissors

Provide child-friendly scissors and paper, and ask the child to cut along a line.

Cuts along lines with good control.

Stacking Blocks

Observe the child stacking blocks or cups to form a tower.

Stacks blocks with good coordination and stability.

 

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