Which is a 4-year gross motor milestone?

• A. Climbs stairs alternating feet without support
• B. Pedals tricycle
• C. Draws a person
• D. Runs a mile

Answer: (A)

Gross motor development around four years shows strong balance, coordination, and leg strength. Climbing stairs with alternating feet without support demonstrates these maturations in a functional way—the child can move up stairs step by step, using alternating feet, and do so without needing a railing. That specific pattern is a hallmark of four-year-old gross motor skill.

Pedaling a tricycle is often achieved earlier, around the preschool years, so it’s not as definitive a four-year milestone. Drawing a person is a fine motor task rather than a gross motor one. Running a mile is not expected at this age and would indicate much greater endurance than typical for a four-year-old.