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Motor Milestones for 6-Year-Olds

Body control, confidence, and coordination come together

By age six, many children show strong coordination, balance, and confidence in their movement. They’re not just running or jumping they’re learning to master skills, follow rules, and participate in organized games or early sports. Their fine motor abilities also support more fluent writing, drawing, and independence in daily routines.

​Here’s what motor development may look like around this age.

Motor Milestones Age 6

Gross Motor Skills

Strength, rhythm, and refined movement in active play

By age six, many children are able to:

  • Skip smoothly and change direction with ease

 

  • Run with speed and agility

 

  • Jump rope

 

  • Dribble a ball

 

  • Catch and throw with accuracy and control

 

  • Balance on one foot for 10+ seconds

 

  • Climb, swing, and hang from playground equipment with confidence

 

  • Ride a two-wheeled bike (often without training wheels)

 

  • Participate in simple organized sports or games

These skills support confidence, social play, and physical fitness and help children feel capable in group settings.

Fine Motor Skills

Precision, control, and growing independence in hand use

Around this age, many children can:

  • Write letters and numbers clearly

 

  • Form words and short sentences with legible handwriting

 

  • Use scissors to cut detailed shapes

 

  • Color within the lines with precision

 

  • Tie shoelaces independently

 

  • Use small tools like a ruler, glue stick, or hole punch

 

  • Build intricate models (e.g., LEGO sets with instructions)

 

  • Draw more complex pictures with body parts and background

 

  • Complete puzzles with 20+ pieces

 

  • Manage buttons, zippers, and fasteners with ease

Fine motor mastery supports school success and a growing sense of personal responsibility.

Gentle Reminder

By age six, children are usually showing strong progress in motor coordination, both gross and fine. If your child is still struggling with basic tasks like running, catching, writing, or dressing or avoiding them altogether it might be time to explore gentle support.

 

Early intervention can boost confidence, reduce frustration, and help your child feel more capable both at home and in school.

 

At PRIMES, we’re here to support you - Whether you have a concern, a question, or just want guidance, we’d love to hear from you.

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