Sensory Development

Play and Social Skills

• Enjoys playful face to face interaction with people
• Cooing in response to playful interaction
• Notices and responds to sounds

Coordination

• Moves legs and arms off of surface when excited
• Uses vision to follow black and white or brightly colored objects
• Able to open and shut hands
• Is able to bring hands to mouth
• Is able to be on tummy for short bursts of time

Daily Activities

• Able to latch on while nursing or bottle feeding
• Is able to calm during car rides when not tired or hungry
• Enjoys bath time
• Is usually able tolerate diaper changing without crying

Self-Expression

• Is able to be comforted by cuddling or a parent’s touch
• Is not upset with everyday sounds
• Is usually happy when not hungry or tired
• Enjoys varied playful movement experiences (i.e. bouncing on knees)
• Is able to calm with experiences such as rocking, touch, and calm sounds
• Does not demonstrate frequent or long bouts of being upset

Play and social skills

• Enjoys playful interactions with others (such as peek a boo)
• Is vocalizing in response to playful interaction
• Turns head towards sounds
• Maintains eye contact with familiar people during playful interaction
• Enjoys playing with toys of varied textures
• Enjoys musical toys
• Raises hands to be picked up
• Enjoys various types of movement, such as being gently swung

Coordination

• Is beginning to put weight through feet when supported in standing
• Is able to lift head forward when being pulled to sitting, from lying on back
• Is able to play on tummy for short bursts of time
• Is able to roll from tummy to back (5 months) and from back to tummy (6 months)
• Is able to pick up head and prop on elbows during tummy time
• Uses hands to play with and explore toys
• Uses both hands equally to play with toys
• Able to turn head to visually follow motivating toys and people

Daily Activities

• Is able to latch on while nursing or bottle feeding
• Is able to stay calm during car rides when not tired or hungry
• Enjoys bath time
• Is usually able to tolerate diaper changing without crying
• Is not fearful when moving to lying on back for diaper changing

Self-Expression

• Is able to be comforted by cuddling or a parent’s touch
• Is not fearful of everyday sounds
• Is generally happy when not hungry or tired
• Enjoys varied playful movement experiences (i.e. bouncing on knees)
• Is able to calm with experiences such as rocking, touch, and calm sounds

Play and Social skills

• Is interested in interacting with others (such as peek a boo)
• Enjoys playing with toys of varied textures
• Enjoys playing with musical toys
• Is interested in playing with colorful objects
• Raises hands towards adult to be picked up
• Maintains eye contact with people during playful interaction
• Enjoys moving to explore the environment when placed on floor
• Enjoys various types of movement, such as being gently swung in the air by parents

Coordination

• Able to put weight through feet when supported in standing
• Is able to pick up head and push through elbows during tummy time
• Keeps head forward when being pulled to sitting from lying on back
• Is able to play on tummy
• Moves on floor to get desirable toy
• Moves in and out of various positions (i.e. sitting, tummy, and hands and knees)
• Able to turn head to visually follow motivating toys and people
• Maintains balance while sitting and using two hands together to explore toys
• Uses both hands equally to play with toys

Daily activities

• Is able to latch on while nursing or bottle feeding
• Enjoys bath time
• When not tired or hungry, is able to self calm in car rides
• Usually tolerates diaper changes without crying
• Is not fearful of tipping head back when moving from sitting to lying down for activities such as diaper changing
• Is able to transition from milk or formula to infant cereal

Self-Expression

• Is able to be comforted by cuddling or a parent’s touch
• Is generally happy when not hungry or tired
• Is able to calm with experiences such as rocking, touch, and calm sounds
• Is not fearful of everyday sounds
• Has an established and reliable sleeping schedule

Play and Social skills

• Is interested in interacting with others (such as peek a boo)
• Maintains eye contact with people during playful interactions
• Raises hands to be picked up
• Turns head in response to name being called
• Points to objects of interest by 12 months
• Enjoys playing with toys of varied textures
• Enjoys playing and banging musical toys
• Enjoys various types of movement, such as being gently swung in the air by parents
• Frequently explores the environment when placed on floor 
• Enjoys moving to get desirable toy

Coordination

• Moves in and out of various positions (i.e. crawling, climbing, cruising, and walking) to explore environment and get desired toys
• Keeps head forward when being pulled to sitting from lying on back
• Is able to pull self to stand
• Is able to hold head upright while crawling by eleven months
• Primarily crawls or walks to get desired objects
• Puts weight through hands or feet when moving or moved in and out of positions and while supported in standing
• Is able to sit unsupported and turn head to look at objects without losing balance
• Is able to throw balls and maintains balance
• Uses both hands equally to play and explore toys
• Is able to clap hands
• Enjoys and seeks out various ways to move and play

Daily activities

• Usually enjoys bath time
• Is able to self calm in car rides when not tired or hungry
• Is usually able to tolerate diaper changing without crying
• Is not fearful of tipping head back when moving from sitting to lying on back
• Is able to use fingertips to pick up small objects, such as small pieces of food
• Eats an increasing variety of food
• Can usually participate in dressing without becoming upset
• Has an established and reliable sleep schedule
• Is usually able to calm self to fall asleep

Self-Expression

• Is comforted by cuddling and a parent’s touch
• Has grow accustomed to everyday sounds and is usually not startled by them
• Is generally happy when not hungry or tired
• Is able to calm with experiences such as rocking, touch, and calm sounds
• Has established reliable sleeping schedule
• Is able to enjoy a wide variety of touch sensations, noises, and smells
• Cries and notices when hurt
• Is able to sooth self when upset

Play and social skills

• Is interested in interacting with people (plays patty cake)
• Raises hands to be picked up
• Maintains eye contact with people during playful interactions
• Interested in imitating others
• Turns head in response to name being called
• Points to objects of interest by 12 months
• Is able to locate objects you are pointing to
• Claps hands together in response to social play
• Enjoys playing with variety of toys and textures
• Enjoys banging and playing with musical toys
• Enjoys playing with new toys
• Eagerly explores the environment when placed on floor
• Enjoys being swung and gently thrown in air
• Enjoys exploring and playing at the playground
• Enjoys swinging on playground swings

Coordination

• Is frequently moving in and out of various positions (i.e. crawling, climbing, cruising, and walking) to explore and get desirable objects
• Maintains balance in sitting or standing while using two hands together to explore toys
• Is able turn head to look at objects without losing balance while standing
• Is able to take steps toward motivating item
• Crawls or walks to get desired item
• Has adequate endurance and strength to play with peers
• Uses hands to help move from one position to another 
• Able to throw balls without losing balance
• Uses both hands equally to play and explore toys
• Seeks out various new ways to move and play

Daily activities

• Usually enjoys bath time
• Is able to self calm in car rides when not tired or hungry
• Usually tolerates diaper changes without crying
• Is able to tip head back when moving from sitting to back
• Is able to use fingertips to pick up small objects, such as small pieces of food
• Eats an increasing variety of food
• Can usually participate in dressing without becoming upset
• Has an established sleep schedule
• Is usually able to calm self to fall asleep
• Able to tolerate and wear textures of new and varied articles of clothes

Self-Expression

• Is comforted by cuddling and a parent’s touch
• Is generally happy when not hungry or tired
• Is able to calm with experiences such as rocking, touch, and calm sounds
• Has grown accustomed to everyday sounds and is usually not startled by them
• Has an established and reliable sleeping schedule
• Is able to enjoy a wide variety of touch sensations, noises, and smells
• Cries and notices when hurt
• Is able to soothe self when upset
• After multiple exposures, child enjoys various textures such as grass or sand
• Is able to transition to new environment or activity

Play and Social skills

• Turns head in response to name being called
• Able to participate in small groups with other children
• Interested, aware, and able to maintain eye contact with others
• Able to play in social situations after a transition time
• Points to objects of interest
• Able to locate objects you are pointing to
• Explores varied environments such as a new playground
• Enjoys swinging on playground swings
• Enjoys being swung and gently thrown in air
• Enjoys playing with new toys in varied ways
• Usually plays with toys without mouthing them
• Enjoys playing with variety of toys and textures
• Enjoys playing musical toys
• Enjoys sitting to listen or look at book

Coordination

• Is frequently moving in and out of various positions (i.e. crawling, climbing, cruising, and walking) to explore and get desirable objects
• Coordinates movements needed to play and explore
• Usually walks with heel toe pattern and not primarily on toes
• Enjoys and seeks out various ways to move and play
• Has adequate endurance and strength to play with peers
• Can maintain balance to catch ball or when gently bumped by peers
• Able to throw and attempt to catch ball without losing balance
• Uses hands to help move from one position to another
• Uses both hands equally to play and explore toys

Daily activities

• Enjoys bath time
• Able to self calm in car rides when not tired and hungry
• Usually tolerates diaper changes without crying
• Is not fearful of tipping head back when moving from sitting to back
• Is able to use fingertips to pick up small objects, such as small pieces of food
• Able to eat an increasing variety of food
• Can usually participate in dressing without becoming upset
• Has an established sleep schedule
• Usually able to calm self to fall asleep
• Able to tolerate and wear textures of new and varied articles of clothes

Self-Expression

• Is generally happy when not hungry or tired
• Able to calm with experiences such as rocking, touch, and calm sounds
• Has grown accustomed to everyday sounds and is usually not startled by them
• Has an established and reliable sleeping schedule
• Does not require excessive routine to calm
• Able to enjoy a wide variety of touch sensations, noises, and smells
• Cries and notices when hurt
• Able to soothe self when upset
• After multiple exposures child enjoys various textures, such as grass or sand
• Able to transition to new environment or activity
• Able to be away from parents when with supportive and familiar people

Play and Social skills

• Is able to participate in small groups with other children
• Is interested, aware, and able to maintain eye contact with others
• Turns head in response to name being called
• Explores varied environments such as new playground
• Enjoys swinging on playground swings
• Is able to play in social situations after a transition time
• Enjoys swinging, being thrown in air, and rough play
• Enjoys playing with variety of toys and textures
• Is able to point to objects of interest
• Is able to locate objects you are pointing to
• Enjoys playing musical toys
• Enjoys playing with new toys in various ways
• Usually plays with toys without mouthing them
• Enjoys sitting to listen or look at book
• Is able to participate in messy activities that result in dirty hands

Coordination

• Enjoys and seeks out various ways to move and play
• Has adequate endurance and strength to play with peers
• Uses hands to help move from one position to another
• Coordinates movements needed to play and explore
• Usually walks with heel toe pattern and not primarily on toes
• Can maintain balance to catch ball or when gently bumped by peers
• Able to walk and maintain balance over uneven surfaces
• Walks through new room without bumping into objects and people
• Only leans on furniture, walls or people and sits slumped over when tired
• Is able to throw ball and catch ball without losing balance
• Coordinates both hands to play, such as swinging a bat or opening a container
• Uses both hands equally to play and explore toys
• Coordinates hand and finger movement needed to participate in table top games and activities

Daily activities

• Enjoys bath time
• Is able to self calm in car rides when not tired or hungry
• Tolerates diapering and dressing without crying
• Is not fearful of tipping head back
• Is able to use fingertips to pick up small objects, such as small pieces of food
• Eats an increasing variety of food
• Has an established sleep schedule
• Is usually able to calm self to fall asleep
• Able to tolerate and wear textures of new and varied articles of clothes
• Is able to take appropriate bites of food, does not always stuff mouth
• Is aware of sensations such as a wet diaper or underpants
• Able to tolerate and stay calm during haircuts
• Able to adapt to changes in routine

Self-Expression

• Is generally happy when not hungry or tired
• Able to calm with experiences such as rocking, touch, and calm sounds
• Has grown accustomed to everyday sounds and is usually not startled by them
• Has an established and reliable sleeping schedule
• Does not require excessive routine to calm
• Able to enjoy a wide variety of touch sensations, noises, and smells
• Cries and notices when hurt.
• Able to soothe self when upset
• After multiple exposures child enjoys various textures such as grass or sand
• Able to transition to new environment or activity
• Able to be away from parents when with supportive and familiar people
• Enjoys playing near other peers

Play and Social skills

• Is interested, aware, and able to maintain eye contact with others
• Enjoys playing in small groups of children of the same age
• Is able to initiate play with another child of the same age
• Turns head in response to name being called
• Interested in exploring varied environments, such as new playground or friend’s house
• Is able to play in new social situations
• Enjoys playing with variety of toys intended for children of the same age
• Is aware of risky and unsafe environments and behavior
• Participates in crafts activities that involve wet textures, such as glue
• Enjoys rough but safe play with peers, siblings, or parents
• Enjoys swinging on playground swings
• Enjoys playing with new toys 
• Is able to locate objects you are pointing to
• Enjoys sitting to listen or look at book
• Usually does not bring non-food objects to mouth
• Is able to play with one toy or theme for 15 minute periods of time

Coordination

• Enjoys and seeks out various ways to move and play
• Has adequate endurance and strength to play with peers
• Coordinates movements needed to play and explore
• Usually walks with heel toe pattern and not primarily on toes
• Can maintain balance to catch ball or when bumped by peers
• Able to walk and run over uneven surfaces
• Walks through new room without bumping into objects and people
• Only leans on furniture, walls or people and sits slumped over when tired
• Is able throw and catch balls of varying sizes without losing balance
• Coordinates both hands to play, such as swinging a bat or opening a container
• Coordinates hand and finger movement needed to participate in table top games and activities
• Is able to color and begin to imitate shapes
• Uses appropriate force when playing with peers or pets or when holding objects
• Able to maintain good sitting posture needed to sit in chair

Daily activities

• Is able to use utensils to pick up pieces of food
• Has an established sleep schedule
• Is usually able to calm self to fall asleep
• Able to tolerate and wear textures of new and varied articles of clothes
• Is able to take appropriate bites of food, does not always stuff mouth
• Able to tolerate haircuts and nail cutting without crying
• Able to adapt to changes in routine
• Can take bath or shower, although preference may be present
• Has a diet rich in variety, temperatures, and textures
• Can drink from a cup and straw without dribbling
• Need for crashing, bumping and moving fast does not interfere with participation in activities and family life.
• Is able to complete everyday tasks that have multiple steps, such as dressing
• Frequently wakes up rested and ready for a new day

Self-Expression

• Is generally happy when not hungry or tired
• Has grown accustomed to everyday sounds and is usually not startled by them
• Has an established and reliable sleeping schedule
• Is able to enjoy a wide variety of touch, noise, and smells
• Cries and notices when hurt
• Is able to calm self down after upsetting event
• Is able to transition to new environment or activity
• Is able to pay attention and is not distracted by sounds not noticed by others
• Able to cope with unexpected change

Play and Social skills

• Is interested, aware, and able to maintain eye contact with others
• Is able to initiate play with another child of the same age
• Would rather play with friend or children rather than adults
• Has several friends that they enjoy playing with
• Enjoys participating in family outings
• Enjoys playing in a new setting.
• Is able to resolve conflict with friends or other children without teacher or parent intervention
• Participates in crafts activities that involve wet textures, such as glue
• Interested in exploring varied environments, such as new playground or friend’s house
• Is able to play and accommodate in new social situations
• Enjoys rough play with peers, siblings, or parents
• Enjoys playing with new toys
• Enjoys swinging on playground swings
• Is able to locate objects you are pointing to
• Enjoys playing with variety of toys intended for children of the same age
• Is aware of risky and unsafe environments and behavior
• Usually does not mouth non-food objects
• Is able to think of various ways to play with one toy
• Is not overly controlling of play with other children
• Pretend play is rich and varied and does not require adult direction
• Can start and finish age appropriate activities within a reasonable amount of time

Coordination

• Enjoys and seeks out various ways to move and play
• Has adequate endurance and strength to play with peers
• Coordinates movements needed to play and explore
• Usually walks with heel toe pattern and not primarily on toes
• Can maintain balance to catch heavy ball or when bumped by peers
• Able to walk and run over uneven surfaces
• Walks through new room without bumping into objects and people
• Only leans on furniture, walls or people and sits slumped over when tired
• Coordinates movement need for quicker sport like activities (i.e. soccer, kickball, hopscotch, and gross motor video games)
• Coordinates hand and finger movement needed to participate in table top games and activities
• Uses appropriate force when playing with peers or pets or when holding objects
• Able to maintain good sitting posture needed for school tasks
• Able to quickly maneuver around peers moving on the playground
• Participates in challenging tasks that require balance, such as riding a bike
• Able to use fingertips to pick up small objects, such as coins from a table or small game pieces (e.g. Lite Brite)
• Is able to copy simple designs
• Participates in fine motor activities such as coloring, writing, and cutting
• Has an established hand preference

Daily activities

• Is able to use utensils to pick up pieces of food
• Has an established sleep schedule
• Is usually able to calm self to fall asleep
• Able to tolerate and wear textures of new and varied articles of clothes
• Is able to take appropriate bites of food, does not always stuff mouth
• Able to tolerate haircuts and nail cutting
• Able to adapt to changes in routine
• Can take bath or shower, although preference may be present
• Has a diet rich in various foods, temperatures and textures included
• Need for crashing, bumping and moving fast does not interfere with participation in activities and family life
• Is able to independently complete everyday tasks that have multiple steps, such as dressing
• Frequently wakes up rested and ready for a new day
• Is able to eat without making a mess
• Is aware when food is on mouth or face
• Is able to follow multiple step directions when motivated
• Can organize self and day to accomplish age appropriate tasks independently
• Can pay attention in a busy environment such as a classroom
• Enjoys participating in loud fun settings, such as birthday parties
• Is not overly controlling of daily tasks such as dressing or mealtimes

Self-Expression

• Is generally happy when not hungry or tired
• Has grown accustomed to everyday sounds and is usually not startled by them
• Has an established and reliable sleeping schedule
• Is able to enjoy a wide variety of touch, noise, and smells
• Cries and notices when hurt
• Is able to calm self down after upsetting event
• Is able to transition to new environment or activity
• Is able to pay attention and is not distracted by sounds not noticed by others
• Able to cope with unexpected change
• Is able to accommodate to unexpected touched by others
• Uses simple strategies to remain calm when experiencing stress
• Does not require excessive consoling when upset