Fine Motor / Visual Motor Milestones

* Brings hands to mouth and midline, starting early hand-eye coordination (2 to 3 months)
 

* Keeps hands mostly in a closed or fisted position (opening more over time)
 

* Limited visual attention: Often looks away when overstimulated

* Begins to visually track moving objects side to side
 

* Looks at faces and high-contrast images
 

* Holds a rattle briefly when placed in hand
 

*Moves arms with increasing control during play
 

* Begins reaching toward objects, though with limited accuracy

* Reaches for and grasps toys with both hands
 

* Holds and shakes a rattle or small toy
 

* Brings hands together at midline (hands to mouth or chest)
 

* Visually tracks objects in all directions (side to side, up and down, circular)
 

* Transfers a toy from one hand to the other
 

* Explores objects with hands and mouth

* Turns head and eyes to track sound or movement

* Begins to sit with support, allowing for better use of hands and eyes together

* Uses a raking grasp to pick up small items
 

* Transfers objects easily from one hand to the other
 

* Picks up small objects with thumb and fingers (by 9–12 months)
 

* Shakes, drops, and throws toys to explore cause and effect
 

* Points or pokes at objects with index finger
 

* Turns pages in a board book (often multiple pages at once)
 

* Claps hands
 

* Visually tracks fast-moving or small objects
 

* Looks for toys that roll or are partially hidden (object permanence)

* Uses a pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to pick up small objects
 

* Builds a small tower with 2–3 blocks
 

* Places objects into containers and dumps them out
 

* Turns pages in a book one at a time (may still skip some)
 

* Scribbles while holding a crayon with their whole hand (like making a fist)
 

* Points to pictures in books or objects of interest
 

* Tries to use tools like a spoon or toothbrush with increasing control
 

* Opens and closes boxes or lids
 

* Explores how things work by twisting, pulling, or pushing objects
 

* Visually focuses on and tracks small or fast-moving objects

* Builds a tower of 4–6 blocks
 

* Scribbles with more control—may imitate straight lines or circles
 

* Turns pages in a book one at a time with improved accuracy
 

* Uses hands to hold and rotate objects for inspection
 

* Places simple shapes into shape sorters
 

* Begins to use both hands together for tasks (e.g., holding paper with one hand and scribbling with the other)
 

* Uses a spoon or fork with fewer spills
 

* Opens simple containers like boxes or pop-up toys
 

* Tries to put on/take off socks, shoes, or hats
 

* Manipulates small objects like stacking blocks, puzzle pieces, or nesting cups
 

* Points to small details in books or pictures

* Builds a tower of 6–9 blocks
 

* Starts to draw simple shapes like vertical lines, horizontal lines, or circles
 

* Turns doorknobs and unscrews lids
 

* Completes simple inset puzzles (e.g., shape or animal puzzles)
 

* Begins to string large beads
 

* Eats with a spoon or fork with minimal spilling
 

* Uses hands together to hold and manipulate objects (e.g., hold a cup with one hand and stir with the other)
 

* Begins to snip with child-safe scissors
 

* Stacks small objects or toys with control
 

* Can open board books and turn pages one at a time with ease

* Builds a tower of 9–12 blocks
 

* Draws basic shapes: circles, lines, and may begin to copy a cross or square
 

* Uses scissors to snip and begin cutting across paper in a straight line
 

* Strings medium-sized beads with accuracy
 

* Completes simple multi-piece puzzles (3–6 pieces)
 

* Holds crayons or markers using fingers (not a fist)
 

* Begins to use a tripod grasp (three fingers) when coloring or drawing
 

* Uses one hand consistently for most tasks
 

* Buttons and unbuttons large buttons with assistance
 

* Turns single pages in regular books with ease
 

* Builds simple structures using interlocking blocks like LEGO® Duplo

* Finds hidden objects in a simple picture (early visual figure-ground skills)

* Stacks and arranges toys purposefully, often using visual models

* Draws simple shapes and begins to copy more complex forms (e.g., cross, square, triangle)
 

* Begins to draw basic people (e.g., head with arms and legs)
 

* Cuts along straight and curved lines with scissors
 

* Can color within lines with increasing control
 

* Begins to write some letters, especially those in their name
 

* Strings small beads with precision
 

* Uses a mature tripod grasp when holding crayons, markers, or pencils
 

* Opens containers, zips/unzips bags, and manages some clothing fasteners
 

* Builds detailed structures with small blocks (e.g., LEGO®)
 

* Uses dominant hand consistently during activities
 

* Begins to show hand-eye coordination in pre-writing tasks and early drawing/writing
 

5 to 6 Years

* Draws recognizable people with 6 or more body parts
 

* Copies basic shapes and some letters and numbers with good control
 

* Writes their own name and some familiar words
 

* Cuts out simple shapes with scissors (e.g., circle, square, triangle)
 

* Colors within lines with good precision

* Uses utensils (spoon, fork, and knife) with coordination
 

* Demonstrates strong hand-eye coordination for writing, drawing, and crafts

6 Years and Beyond
 

* Cuts along complex shapes or patterns with precision
 

* Independently ties shoes, zips jackets, and fastens buttons
 

* Draws with detail and creativity (e.g., scenery, animals, people in action)
 

* Demonstrates hand dominance consistently

* Demonstrates visual tracking and coordination in games, sports, & academics
 

* Uses visual-motor skills for tasks like writing paragraphs, playing musical instruments, or organizing schoolwork