Final answer:
At the age of four, children display major gross motor skills milestones, which include the ability to climb, balance, and coordinate movements such as catching a ball and balancing on one foot. They progress from simple to more complex motor skills, building on the foundations set in their toddler years, and typically show proficiency in using tools like crayons, scissors, and building blocks.
Step-by-step explanation:
By age four, children reach significant gross motor skills milestones, showcasing remarkable physical development since toddlerhood. They can run, climb stairs with one foot per step, and have improved balance and coordination. At this stage, a four-year-old can confidently climb, run, and even master the tripod grasp to grip a crayon, setting the stage for more advanced movements that come at five, such as skipping and balancing.
While three-year-olds can build impressive towers and start to display undressing skills, four-year-olds can catch a ball thrown from a distance, touch their toes without bending their knees, and balance on one foot with excellent control. These abilities demonstrate a substantial increase in their control over large muscle groups. Additionally, they show improvements in manipulative skills like building three-dimensional structures with blocks, cutting along lines with scissors, and drawing shapes and letters with good control. These developmental milestones provide insight into a child's physical growth and can serve as indicators for age-appropriate motor skills. If a child displays delays across several milestones, parents or caregivers should consult with a pediatrician, as it could be a sign of developmental delays that may benefit from early intervention.