Developmental Progression of Fine Motor Skills

0 - 3 Months

  • Attempts to swipe toys
  • Can briefly hold small toys if placed
  • May begin to notice their hands

 3 - 6 Months

  • Reach and grasp a small toy using both hands

  • Holds small toys in hand

  • Brings hands together

  • Pushes up on arms during tummy time
  • Briefly holds a rattle

  • Bangs toys on surfaces

 

 

6 - 9 Months

  • Reaches for an object with one hand.

  • Uses all fingers together to pick up small objects

  • Pokes with index finger

  • Bangs or shakes a rattle. 

  • Passes a small toy between hands

  • Beginning to pick up small finger foods 

9 - 12 Months

  • Lets go of toys on purpose

  • Gives toy when asked

  • Bangs toys together

  • Turns book pages

  • Puts toys in container

  • Points to objects

  • Stacks 2 blocks

12 - 18 Months

  • Claps hands

  • Puts toys into containers

  • Waves goodbye

  • Uses both hands during play

  • Points with index finger

  • Scribbles with crayons

  • Beginning to use a spoon and cup

18 - 24 Months

  • Builds 3–4 block tower

  • Puts rings on stacker

  • Turns pages one at a time

  • Begins using fingertip crayon grasp

2 Years Old

  • Copies a vertical line
  • Opens twist lids
  • Turns pages one at a time
  • Builds 8-block tower
  • Copies horizontal lines
  • Strings 4 large beads

3 Years Old

  • Builds a 10- 12 block tower
  • Copies a circle
  • Beginning scissor skills
  • Snips paper with child-safe scissors

4 Years Old

  • Cuts simple shapes
  • Completes 6–10 piece puzzles
  • Shows better scissor control

 

5 Years Old

  • Draws/paints/colors with more detail.

  • Learning handwriting skills

  • Buttons and unbuttons clothing

  • Drops tiny objects into a bottle

Activities for Every Stage of Development