A toddler in a patterned sweatshirt concentrates on stacking colorful translucent blocks at a table, with his reflection visible in a mirror behind the blocks. Photos of children playing are displayed on the wall above.
Your child from 11–23 Months

Perceptual and Motor Development

How do children become skillful at sensing the world around them and moving?

How do children become skillful at sensing the world around them and moving?

  • Pulling to stand, cruising, or taking early steps to move around
  • Using both hands together to manipulate toys and containers
  • Dropping and testing objects to see cause and effect
  • Climbing onto low furniture or navigating uneven surfaces
  • Picking up small food pieces with thumb and finger

Each child develops at their own pace and may show some skills earlier or later than others; the videos provide a few examples of how children may demonstrate these skills and concepts.

How do children combine what they see, hear, and feel to plan what they will do next?

Children use information from different senses to guide their actions. Children may notice water on their hand and wipe it. Children may sway to music, adjust how they move across surfaces, and turn or rotate objects to make them fit.

What movement adjustments are children making as they play?

How do children coordinate their bodies to get where they want to go and try new movements?

Children walk more steadily, climb on low things, squat and pick up toys, pull toys while walking, and begin running, jumping, and climbing with growing confidence.

What do you notice about how children adjust their movements?

Additional Videos

Foundation 2.2: Fine Motor Development

11–23 Months