By 30 Months

Cognition:

  • Understands the concept of one
  • Recognizes a familiar adult in picture
  • Engages in simple make-believe activities
  • Obeys two-part commands
  • Matches shapes and colors

Communication:

  • Understands many action verbs
  • Names most pictures of familiar objects

Socialization:

  • Plays with other children using dolls, cars, blocks
  • Displays dependent behavior
  • Frustration tantrums peak
  • Dramatizes using doll
  • Becomes aware of sex differences
  • May develop sudden fears, especially of large animals

Daily Living Skills

  • Understands common dangers: stairs, glass, strange animals
  • Indicates need to use the toilet

Motor:

  • Opens doors by turning the knobs
  • Climbs on play equipment
  • Jumps from 8 to 14 inches
  • Catches large ball
  • Scribbles with circular motion
  • Draws or copies vertical lines