10 months since birth
explores objects by poking with one finger
stacks objects; also places objects inside one another
releases object by dropping or throwing; cannot deliberately put an object down
crawls up and down stairs
follows simple instructions
shows appropriate use of everyday items
babbles or jabbers deliberately to get social interaction started; may shout to attract attention
babbling in sentences that cannot yet be interpreted
11 months since birth
walks with assistance
begins jargon; utters syllables and sounds with language-like inflection
enjoys rhyme and simple songs; vocalizes and dances to music
exhibits a definite fear or reluctance towards strangers:"stranger anxiety"
wants parent or caregiver to be in constant sight
begins to be assertive by resisting caregiver's requests
offers toys and objects to others
12 months since birth
stands alone with feet spread apart and arms extended for support
15 months since birth
learns to walk alone; falls often
chest circumference is larger than head circumference
helps to turn the pages of a book; enjoys pictures
verbal labeling of self begins; can name family members
shame, shyness and guilt (self-conscious reactions), as well as defiance and affection, emerge
18 months since birth
attempts to run or toddle has difficulty stopping, and usually drops to the floor
helps feed self; not always accurate at getting utensils into mouth; frequent spills
attempts to activate mechanical objects if child has seen someone else make them work
possesses a vocabulary of 5 to 50 words
21 months since birth
weight now approximately four times the original weight at birth; height is nearly one-half of approximate adult height
enjoys filling and pouring activities with water or sand
knows where familiar persons should be; notes absences
tries to make mechanical toys work without a demonstration
shows tremendous curiosity; gets into everything, requires constant supervision
watches and imitates the play of other children; seldom joins in
24 months since birth
speaks 50 to 300 different words; names almost everything in familiar surroundings
asks "What is that?" and "Why?" repeatedly
enjoys stories about self and family
enjoys make-believe and role-play activities
30 months since birth
sentences pronounced
fastest increase in vocabulary, with many new additions every day
no babbling at all; sentences have communicative intent
frustrated if not understood by adults
36 months since birth
catches a bounced ball with both arms extended
holds a crayon or marker between first two fingers and thumb (tripod grasp), not in a fist as in earlier
achieves complete bladder control
enjoys stories with riddle, guessing and suspense
places blocks to make a bridge
promotes the behaviour of others
occasional nightmares, fears of the dark, monsters or fire
often talks to self
shows affection towards children who are younger or who get hurt
does not bother other children listening to story, and resents being bothered
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