Holds items in fingertips (not in their palm) with slight extension in the wrist (wrist doesn’t sag)

Points to items in a book with index finger straight and other fingers away in palm

Uses both hands together (eg. One hand holds paper while other hand draws)

When drawing does not press too heavily or too lightly

Hand preference is emerging

Can turn over a page of a book, one at a time

Can turn a knob to open a door

Can unscrew loose lids from jars

Inverts jar to obtain contents from inside

Can build a tower of 5 – 8 medium-sized cubes/blocks

Can reach with either hand across the middle of their body (eg. Right hand crosses over to left side)

Can pick up small objects with tip of thumb and tip of index finger (pincer grasp – eg. Sultanas)

Can release a small object into a small container

Holds the pencil with the fingers (not in a fist)

Can post circle, square and triangle correctly into posting toy

Completes single piece jigsaw puzzles with cut-out shapes

Matches shapes, objects and colours

Understands concepts such as in, on, under

Makes spontaneous scribble on the paper at least 2 inches long

Imitates a vertical line (ie. Copies you as you draw the line)

Imitates a horizontal line (ie. Copies you as you draw the line)

Imitates folding paper (ie. Copies you as you fold the paper) – produces a crease

Makes eye contact

Enjoys messy play (eg. Sand, finger paint, play-doh)

Does not avoid touch

Is able to turn the head to look at you without having to turn the whole body

Has age appropriate endurance and does not tire easily

Is aware of pain and temperature

Can put hat on, remove socks and shoes

Positions body to help with dressing (eg. Pushes arms into arm-holes of shirt)

Feeds self neatly with a spoon

Feeds self finger food

Beginnings of toilet training (toilet trained by 3 years of age)

Drinks from a normal cup with one hand (open cup – not a sipper cup)

Plays alongside other children

Watches other children and imitates what they do in play

Play actions are simple with no planned story line

Play themes relate to daily life (eg. Dressing, feeding, sleeping, bathing and shopping)

Use a variety of objects in play

(eg. Doll, teddy, cardboard boxes, cars and plastic containers)

Begins to enjoy dress-ups

Simple role play begins (eg. Pretends to be asleep, pretends to be Mummy or Daddy)

Enjoys playing with a willing adult play partner

Can play on their own with a toy of interest for up to 10 minutes

Use sentences with 2 – 3 words and say I, you, me

Starts to understand turn-taking and begins to have short conversations with you

Shows their feelings (tantrums are normal)

Walks smoothly with alternating arm movements

Throws and kicks a ball without losing balance (may have stiff arms)

Throw a ball overarm

Walks up stairs with alternating feet (ie. One foot on each step)

Walks down stairs (may have 2 feet on each step)

Jump on the spot

Can walk tip-toe for a few steps

Enjoys rough and tumble play