Developmental Guide - 1 Year

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.

Scroll down for a free printable checklist.

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

Discover More Ideas

• 2 Year Developmental Guide
• 3 Year Developmental Guide
• 4 Year Developmental Guide
• 5 Year Developmental Guide
• Cooking and Chores Ideas by Age
• Pragmatic Development Guide by Age

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.

• Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, Bantam 1999
• Healthlinkbc.ca
• VeryWellFamily.com
• CDC.gov
• Childmind.org

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