Which age range is typical for early childhood gross motor development?

• A. 3-5 years
• B. 1-2 years
• C. 6-8 years
• D. 8-10 years

Answer: (A)

Early childhood gross motor development focuses on gaining control of large muscles to move with increasing balance and coordination. In the typical pattern, this is most evident around ages 3 to 5, when children run with more stability, jump, climb, throw and catch with growing accuracy, and begin to pedal a tricycle or hop on one foot for a few seconds. The other age ranges are outside this window: 1–2 years is the toddler stage, where gross motor skills are just starting to develop (walking and basic running); 6–8 and 8–10 are school-age years, where gross motor skills continue to improve but are more refined and sport-specific.