With each new gross motor skill attained, children develop the ability to explore their environment in new ways. Environmental exploration is imperative to a child’s growth not only physically, but also socially, emotionally, and cognitively. All children develop at their own pace, so it is impossible to dictate the exact time/age that each skill should be developed by. In addition to the physical gross motor skills I have already outlined in prior posts, I have listed below a general guideline of other skills obtained by age two.

Social:

• Imitates behavior of other children and adults
• More aware of self as separate from others
• More excited about playing with other children

Emotional:

• Demonstrates increased independence
• Begins to show defiant behavior
• Separation anxiety increases midyear, then fades

Cognitive:

• Finds objects even when hidden under something
• Begins to sort by shapes and colors
• Begins make-believe play

Language:

• Points to object or picture when it’s named for them
• Recognizes names of familiar people, objects, and body parts
• Says several single words (by 15 – 18 months)
• Uses simple phrases (by 18-24 months)
• Follows simple instructions
• Repeats words overheard in conversation

Fine Motor (hand/finger skills):

• Scribbles on own
• Draws vertical lines
• Turns over container to empty contents
• Stacks four to six cubes
• Turns three pages in book, one at a time
• Places objects into opening