Which gross motor ability is typical of a healthy 3-year-old?

Which gross motor ability is typical of a healthy 3-year-old?

• A. Jump rope
• B. Ride a two-wheel bicycle
• C. Balance on one foot for a few seconds
• D. Skip on alternate feet

Answer: (C)

At about three years old, gross motor control is advancing, with balance becoming more stable and coordinated. Being able to balance on one foot for a few seconds demonstrates that the child has developed sufficient trunk stability, leg strength, and neuromuscular coordination to maintain a steady base of support without assistance. This level of balance is typical for a healthy 3-year-old. The other activities require more advanced skills that typically emerge later: jump rope needs rhythm and endurance; riding a two-wheel bicycle requires mature balance and complex coordination for pedaling and steering; skipping on alternate feet involves refined motor planning and sequencing that usually develops after age three.

At about three years old, gross motor control is advancing, with balance becoming more stable and coordinated. Being able to balance on one foot for a few seconds demonstrates that the child has developed sufficient trunk stability, leg strength, and neuromuscular coordination to maintain a steady base of support without assistance. This level of balance is typical for a healthy 3-year-old.

The other activities require more advanced skills that typically emerge later: jump rope needs rhythm and endurance; riding a two-wheel bicycle requires mature balance and complex coordination for pedaling and steering; skipping on alternate feet involves refined motor planning and sequencing that usually develops after age three.