Developmental Guide - 1 Year

Toddler playing with chalk.

Embarking on the captivating journey of a 1-year-old's development, from 12 to 24 months, is a delightful adventure marked by exploration and growth. This developmental checklist is meticulously crafted to navigate you through the milestones and potential considerations in your child's formative months.

Serving as the cornerstone of the ABCJesusLovesMe 1 Year Curriculum, this checklist acts as a roadmap, offering insights into a child's typical development during this pivotal stage. Whether you're a teacher or a parent, this comprehensive overview delves into key developmental areas. Make the most of this tool, and if any questions arise, seek professional guidance for a deeper understanding of the child's unique developmental journey.

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1 Year Development Checklist


FREE 1 Year Development Checklist

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Always consult with a professional with any concerns.

Physical Development for a 1-year-old

  • walks by 18 months
  • runs
  • stops, squats, then stands
  • sits on small stool or chair
  • climbs stairs while holding on
  • dances to music
  • plays with push and pull toys
  • throws overhand
  • kicks a ball

Play of a 1-year-old

  • play games like pat-a-cake
  • bangs objects together
  • parallel play
  • puts 2-3 piece puzzles together
  • increasing make-believe play
  • plays with more than one toy at a time
  • places items in and out of container
  • look for items hid, like toy under a blanket
  • hands book to adult when wants to hear a story

Social/Emotional Development of a 1-year-old

  • cries when parent leaves
  • shy around strangers
  • has favorite toys
  • copies movement and gestures
  • follows simple directions
  • recognizes own face in mirror
  • can point to body parts when asked
  • understanding cause-and-effect
  • points for help
  • begins to say “no” to commands or needs
  • may have temper tantrums
  • blanket or stuffed animal for security object
  • may be clinging to parents
  • notices where others are hurt or upset

Academic Learning of a 1-year-old

  • looks at correct object when names
  • scribbles, imitate drawing line or circle
  • loves looking at books with adult
  • turns pages of board books

Personal Care Development of a 1-year-old

  • drink from cups without lid, while held
  • pick up items between thumb and pointer finger
  • holds out arm or leg to help get dressed
  • eats greater variety of foods
  • eating on own
  • self feeds with spoon
  • helps with dressing and undressing

Language Development of a 1-year-old

  • wave “bye-bye”
  • call parent “mama” or “dada”
  • understand “no”
  • repeats sounds to get attention
  • babbles like speech
  • responds to simple requests given
  • tries to repeat words
  • imitates animal sounds
  • simple phrases or 2-word sentences
  • 100 or more words by 2 years
  • responds to name

Be Watchful for...

  • isn’t crawling
  • won’t search for hidden objects
  • can’t stand without support
  • doesn’t point
  • doesn’t say simple words
  • loses skills once had


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References

This article information is pulled from the following sources as well as many years of training. This information is provided as a guide only.  Because every child is different consult your pediatrician as this list is a generalization.

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