How to Test Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills are the skills allowing you control over the large muscles of your body, used for activities such as walking, running or sitting. Children slowly develop and acquire these skills as their physical body matures. In fact, there are certain milestones involved in motor skill development that a child needs to meet yearly, which doctors monitor, to rule out disorders involving physical or mental delay. Knowing each milestone can help parents keep track of their children's development and know what to watch out for, in case of concerns regarding their child's health.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain a chart from your health center that notes the milestones for age-appropriate gross motor skills in children.

• 2

  Note the age of the child you wish to test and check the motor skills that she is able to exhibit against the chart. A child between 1 and 2 years old should be able to walk alone and climb the stairs with her hand held; between 3 and 4 years old she should be able to hop on one foot or ride a tricycle; and between 5 and 6 years old she should be able to walk on a balance beam, run lightly on her toes or jump rope. A complete list of gross motor skills can be found on the chart of developmental milestones.

• 3

  Visit the doctor if you see any delay in gross motor skill development. It is not uncommon for some children to develop skills later than others. However, it is better to rule out any other underlying conditions that may cause the delay.