First Marks
Child holds a large crayon and makes marks on paper. Parent observes grip type and intentionality. Also covers using an object as a tool and dressing cooperation at the foot. Covers three fine motor and practical milestones at 12-18mo.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Large chunky crayon and a plain piece of paper. A sock or shoe for the dressing phase. Sit at a table or on the floor.
How it works
- 1~30s
Put the crayon within reach and let your child take it. Don't show how to hold it first — just watch. Does your child pick up the crayon? What grip — whole fist, or finger-and-thumb? Does they make any marks on the paper, or just examine and mouth the crayon? Tell me.
Watch for: Child holds crayon with fist grip
- 2~30s
Now test tool use: place a toy just out of reach, with a long object nearby (a ruler, spoon, or stick). Model once: use the long object to pull the toy closer. Then give your child the long object. Does your child use it to reach the toy, or just ignore it and stretch with their hand? Tell me.
Watch for: Child uses an object as a tool to reach another object
- 3~20s
During a natural dressing moment — or simulate one with a sock. When you go to put your child's sock or shoe on, say: 'Can you lift your foot?' Does your child lift the foot toward you? Flex the ankle? Cooperate with the motion? Or stay rigid and not help? Tell me.
Watch for: Child cooperates with foot dressing — lifts or extends foot