1. Move independently, walking and running:
By 30 months of age, a child should be able to walk and run independently, their gait becoming more coordinated with each practice. To encourage the development of motor skills, parents can encourage their children to engage in games that involve running and chasing, like tag or even kicking a ball around indoors.
2. Balance on one foot momentarily:
At this age, a child should be able to balance on one foot for a few seconds at a time. To encourage the development of their balance skills, parents can help their children practice balancing on different surfaces (e.g., foam or wooden blocks) or even playing hopscotch.
3. Climb stairs with alternating feet:
By 30 months old, children should be able to climb up and down stairs with both feet in an alternating pattern (i.e., right then left). To help build strength and coordination, parents can play games that involve climbing up and down stairs such as "Stair Master" where they have to jump over each stair.
4. Throw a ball overhand:
By 30 months old, children should be able to throw a light ball with an overhand motion (i.e., pushing their arm straight up and then down in front of them). To promote the development of gross motor skills, parents can engage in games like "catch" where they have to throw the ball back and forth or even just practice throwing it against a wall or into a bucket.
5. Follow two-step commands:
At this age, children should be able to understand and follow simple two-step instructions (e.g., “Put your toy away and go sit at the table”). To build their understanding of language, parents can practice giving their children two-step commands and then providing verbal feedback on whether or not they correctly followed the instructions.
6. Initiate pretend play activities:
By 30 months old, children should be able to initiate pretend play activities such as pretending to cook or "be a doctor". To encourage the development of their imaginative skills, parents can provide props like toy kitchen sets or medical kits that allow them to role-play in different real-world scenarios.
7. Use effective communication to express needs, wants, and emotions:
At this age, children should be able to communicate effectively using verbal language rather than having temper tantrums when frustrated or angry. To help build effective communication skills, parents can practice using positive language to describe how their child is feeling, such as saying "You seem upset because you can't have a cookie" rather than just telling them not to cry.
8. Understand simple instructions:
By 30 months old, children should be able to understand and follow simple instructions like “Come here” or “Get your shoes”. To help build their understanding of language, parents can practice giving clear commands in a calm tone and provide verbal feedback on whether or not they correctly followed the instruction.
9. Identify familiar people from a distance:
At this age, children should be able to recognize familiar people like family members from a distance (e.. grandparent at the park). To help them build these recognition skills, parents can point out and name people when they are in close proximity or from a distance and then ask their child to identify them.
10. Point to body parts upon request:
By 30 months old, children should be able to point to different body parts upon request (e.g., nose, eyes, etc.). To help build this recognition skill, parents can practice "Simon Says" games where they have to point and follow directions at the same time. Additionally, they can provide verbal feedback when their child correctly points out the requested body part.
11. Recognize pictures of familiar people and objects in books:
At this age, children should be able to recognize familiar people and objects in books. To help build their recognition skills, parents can read books with their child while pointing out and naming the different people and objects they come across. Additionally, they can ask questions like "What do you think will happen next?" to help them connect the story to their own experiences.
12. Begin using some plurals & past tenses when speaking:
By 30 months old, children should be able to start using some plurals and past tenses when speaking. To help build their understanding of grammar, parents can practice repeating words back to their child that use different verb tenses or plurals (e.g., “Yes, you said ‘went’ instead of ‘go’!"). Additionally, they can provide verbal feedback when their child correctly uses these forms in conversation.
13. Attempt to use new words through imitation:
At this age, children should begin to attempt to use new words through imitation. To help build their vocabulary, parents can provide a variety of experiences such as having conversations with their child and introducing them to new objects or concepts. Additionally, they can practice repeating back what their child says using the correct pronunciation and tone for each word.
14. Sing songs & follow actions during rhymes:
By 30 months old, children should be able to sing songs and follow the actions during rhymes. To help build their musical skills, parents can provide props like instruments or toys that allow them to interact with music in a fun way, such as using a tambourine while singing along. Additionally, they can practice listening to different types of music and discussing any similarities or differences between each song.
15. Be able to recognize up to 4 colors:
At this age, children should be able to recognize up to four colors. To help build their color recognition skills, parents can practice pointing out different objects around the house and asking their child what color it is. Additionally, they can create simple art projects with their child using various colors of paint or crayons. This will also help them gain an understanding of how colors can be combined to form new shades.