Are you unsure about what fine motor milestones your child should be hitting? Below is a handy guide that you can use, while keeping in mind that each child is different and progresses at different speeds.

4-6 months

• voluntarily reaching for toys
• rakes fingers to obtain small objects
• uses a palmar grasp for holding toys
• beginning to transfer objects hand to hand
• banging toys in play

7-9 months

• lateral pincer grasp to obtain small objects (between thumb and side of index)
• radial digital grasp to hold blocks (object is held with the fingers with visible space in palm)
• starting to feed self with fingers
• takes objects out of containers and off ring stand
• banging objects together in play

10-12 months

• scribbles with a crayon
• 3 jaw chuck grasp (object held with thumb and 2 fingers)
• fine pincer grasp to obtain small objects (tip of thumb to tip of index) 
• pointing with isolated index finger
• pokes and pries with fingers to manipulate toys
• rotates and stacks objects
• using spoon to feed self and holding bottle with one hand
• puts objects into and takes out of containers
• puts rings on and off of ring stand

15 months

• stacks 2-3 blocks
• turns pages of a book one at a time
• puts pellets into bottle
• identifying body parts

18 months

• stacking 3-4 blocks
• fills and dumps containers
• takes rings on and off stand
• removes shoes and socks

24 months

• stacking 7 blocks
• imitates circular and vertical scribble
• matching colors and shapes

30 months

• imitates horizontal line
• stacking more than 7 blocks
• digital pronate on crayons (fingers are pointing downwards towards paper)
• starting to snip with scissors

3 years old

• Copies circle and imitates cross
• stringing beads
• stacking 10 blocks
• cut on a straight line
• use glue with supervision
• unbuttons large buttons

4 years old

• developing tripod grasp
• cutting circle and square
• Copies square and triangle
• draws a person (not accurately)
• starting to write name

5 years old

• drawing a person more accurately
• Writes name and a few letters
• Copies triangle and imitate diamond
• established dynamic tripod grasp

Do you have more questions or concerns? Please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

info@jonestherapyservices.com

615.614.8833

Kasey Carpenter, M.S. OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Jones Therapy Services