What gross motor skill best describes a 24-month-old child?

What gross motor skill best describes a 24-month-old child?

• A. Skips
• B. Rides a tricycle
• C. Broad jumps
• D. Walks up and down stairs

Answer: (D)

At 24 months, gross motor development centers on improving balance and coordination as children gain more independent mobility. Walking up and down stairs with support demonstrates this progression: the child can shift weight, place both feet on each step, and maintain an upright posture while navigating elevation, though they still rely on a handrail or adult guidance. This level of stair negotiation reflects the typical milestone for a 2-year-old better than more advanced skills. Skipping is a later milestone that usually appears around preschool age, when balance and motor planning are more refined. Riding a tricycle requires more leg strength and coordinated pedaling, generally developing a bit later than age two. Broad jumps can occur in toddlers but are less consistently achieved at this age than stair negotiation with assistance. So, walking up and down stairs with support best fits the 24-month developmental stage.

At 24 months, gross motor development centers on improving balance and coordination as children gain more independent mobility. Walking up and down stairs with support demonstrates this progression: the child can shift weight, place both feet on each step, and maintain an upright posture while navigating elevation, though they still rely on a handrail or adult guidance. This level of stair negotiation reflects the typical milestone for a 2-year-old better than more advanced skills.

Skipping is a later milestone that usually appears around preschool age, when balance and motor planning are more refined. Riding a tricycle requires more leg strength and coordinated pedaling, generally developing a bit later than age two. Broad jumps can occur in toddlers but are less consistently achieved at this age than stair negotiation with assistance. So, walking up and down stairs with support best fits the 24-month developmental stage.