Child Development at Two Years

 

Posture & Large Movements

• Runs safely on whole foot, stopping and starting with ease and avoiding obstacles.
• Squats to rest or to play with object on ground and rises to feet without using hands.
• Walks backwards pulling large toy. Pulls wheeled toy by cord.
• Climbs on furniture to look out of window or open doors, etc., and can get down again.
• Walks upstairs and down holding on to rail and wall; two feet to a step.
• Throws small ball without falling.
• Walks into large ball when trying to kick it.
• Sits astride large wheeled toy and propels forward with feet on ground.

Vision & Fine Movements

• Picks up pins and thread, etc., neatly and quickly.
• Removes paper wrapping from small sweet.
• Builds lower of six cubes (or 6+).
• Spontaneous circular scribble and dots when given paper and pencil.
• Imitates vertical line (and sometimes V).
• Enjoys picture books, recognising fine details in favourite pictures.
• Turns pages singly.
• Recognises familiar adults in photograph after once shown.
• Hand preference becoming evident.
• Immediately catches sight of, and names special miniature toys at 10 feet distance. Will now usually tolerate this test with each eye separately.
• Watches and retrieves rolling balls 2 – 1/8 inches at 10 feet.

Hearing & Speach

• Uses 50 or more recognisable words and understands many more.
• Puts 2 or more words together to form simple sentences.
• Refers to himself by name.
• Talks to himself continually as he plays.
• Echo(s) a almost constant, with one or more stressed words repeated.
• Constantly asking names of objects.
• Joins in nursery rhymes and songs.
• Shows correctly and repeats words for hair, hand, feet, nose, eyes, mouth, shoe on request.
• 6 toy test, 4 animals picture test.

Social Behaviour & Play

• Lifts and drinks from cup and replaces on table.
• Spoon-feeds without spilling.
• Asks for food and drink. Chews competently.
• Puts on hat and shoes.
• Verbalises toilet needs in reasonable time.
• Dry during day.
• Turns door handles.
• Often runs outside to explore.
• Follows mother round house and copies domestic activities in simultaneous play.
• Engages in simple make-believe activities.
• Constantly demanding mother’s attention.
• Clings lightly in affection, fatigue or fear.
• Tantrums when frustrated but attention readily distracted.
• Defends own possessions with determination.
• As yet no idea of sharing.
• Plays near other children but not with them.
• Resentful of attention shown to other children.

Source: Reports on Public Health and Medical Subjects No 102. HMSO 1960, revised 1975.