Which of the following gross-motor skills do children typically develop last?

Which of the following gross-motor skills do children typically develop last?

• A. Walking independently
• B. Running
• C. Jumping forward, taking off and landing with two feet
• D. Climbing stairs

Answer: (C)

Children typically develop jumping forward, taking off and landing with two feet later in their gross-motor skill development timeline compared to the other options. This skill requires a combination of strength, coordination, and balance, which generally takes longer to refine. Walking independently is often one of the first major milestones in gross-motor skills, usually occurring around 12 months of age. Running follows shortly after as children grow more confident in their mobility, typically emerging in the toddler years. Climbing stairs is also a skill that develops after mastering walking, as children must coordinate their limbs and build strength to ascend. In contrast, jumping involves not only the ability to leap from the ground but also the skill to land safely, which can be complex for younger children. It often emerges later as children refine their motor skills and gain greater body awareness and coordination. Therefore, jumping forward with both feet is indeed a more advanced skill that develops after the foundational gross-motor skills are well established.

Children typically develop jumping forward, taking off and landing with two feet later in their gross-motor skill development timeline compared to the other options. This skill requires a combination of strength, coordination, and balance, which generally takes longer to refine.

Walking independently is often one of the first major milestones in gross-motor skills, usually occurring around 12 months of age. Running follows shortly after as children grow more confident in their mobility, typically emerging in the toddler years. Climbing stairs is also a skill that develops after mastering walking, as children must coordinate their limbs and build strength to ascend.

In contrast, jumping involves not only the ability to leap from the ground but also the skill to land safely, which can be complex for younger children. It often emerges later as children refine their motor skills and gain greater body awareness and coordination. Therefore, jumping forward with both feet is indeed a more advanced skill that develops after the foundational gross-motor skills are well established.