Early Atlas

Skill

Uses Large Muscles to Explore

Child uses whole-body movements such as crawling, climbing, running, kicking, and throwing to explore and act on the environment.

Ages 6–36 months

gross-motor climbing running throwing exploration toddler

Why it matters

Large-muscle control is the engine of early exploration. Each new posture and movement, from sitting up to running and climbing, opens new places to reach and things to do. Varied, vigorous movement builds the strength, coordination, and stamina that support active play and healthy development.

Builds toward this milestone

  • demonstrates effective and efficient use of large muscles to explore the environment. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

What mastery looks like

  • Uses new postures and positions, such as sitting or standing, to reach and explore new things.
  • Moves through space in varied ways, such as crawling, climbing, carrying, and running.
  • Explores using actions like throwing, kicking, jumping, or climbing.
  • Experiments with different ways of moving the body, such as dancing.

How to observe it

  • During active play, does the child use several kinds of movement to get to and handle what interests them?
  • Does the toddler try new ways of moving, such as galloping, spinning, or climbing onto things?

Accessibility

  • Offer ramps, low platforms, and sturdy supports so children of all mobility levels can change position and explore.
  • Provide cause-and-effect toys reachable from seated or supported positions.

Safety

  • Anchor furniture, pad hard edges, cushion landing areas, and stay within arm's reach during climbing.

Activities

Evidence

Early Atlas