Developmental Checklist: 42-48 months

Please note that this compilation of skills is meant to serve as a guide only. Each child is unique and will progress at different rates based on their abilities.  Use the time constraints of this information as a guideline only.  If you feel that your child is deviating significantly from these skills, please consult your Pediatrician. If your child is already enrolled in therapy and you have questions, concerns or need further clarification, please contact your child’s therapist.

Gross Motor Skills

  • Walks down stairs using railing with alternating feet
  • Balances on one foot for 5 seconds
  • Gallops forward
  • Rides tricycle around obstacles
  • Somersaults forward
  • Marches

Fine Motor Skills

  • Traces
  • Cuts along line with scissors
  • Strings small beads
  • Screws and unscrews objects
  • Throws overhand
  • Draws rough picture of things they know
  • Draw diagonal line “/”
  • Inserts 8 shapes correctly

Visual/Perceptual

  • Counts with correct pointing, 3 objects
  • Matches 6 colors or more
  • Counts to 10 in imitation
  • Arranges objects into like groups
  • Matches sequence or patterns of blocks or beads

Language/Communication

  • Uses regular past tense forms “ed”, (jumped)
  • Tells how common objects are used
  • Uses word order correctly to ask a question “Can I do this?”

Social/Emotional

  • Shows affection for people they know
  • Sits quietly for 5 minutes when listening to a story or music
  • Follows directions
  • Quiets down if told after active play

Self Help Skills

  • Laces and unlaces shoes
  • Needs a little assistance to bathe
  • Uses toilet on a regular basis without asking
  • Tells difference between front and back
  • Drinks liquids from a can
  • Buttons by self
  • Uses spoon for liquids and fork for solids