What Age Do Kids Learn to Do… Stuff

Parents on the internet have all kinds of questions about what age their kids would learn to do things–when do kids learn to walk, run, read, and write; blow their nose, tie their shoe laces, and tell time; swim, somersault and play piano; and some serious questions like when do kids learn empathy and, more importantly, gratitude (*parents eye rolling*).

For the benefit of our fellow parents, we have made this neat timeline of when and at what age kids learn to do certain things.

In some cases, we will try to cover the answers in three parts–when DO kids learn to do things (average age), when CAN they do things (ability), and when SHOULD they learn to do things (growth). We’ve also added in some fun trivia to make things interesting. All said and done, it’s important to remember that all kids do things at their own pace.

You can download a summary of the timeline at the bottom of the page. (You’re welcome.)

Before we start, here’s what’s in this article:

A. When do kids learn to walk, run, talk, slide, and jump

B. When do kids learn alphabets, phones, letters, and shapes

C. When do kids learn to Blow their nose, Use a straw, Paint, Wipe their bum, and to Share.

D. When do kids learn to swim, tie shoes, read, write letters, skip and Left & Right.

E. When do kids learn to tell time, do math, add, subtract, multiply, divide and fraction.

F. When do kids learn cursive, coding, crochet, empathy and gratitude.

G. When do kids learn to somersault, learn piano, learn guitar, learn about money and learn chess.

H. At what age do kids learn to ride a bike, ski, skate, open jars and to recycle.

Download the Timeline of What Age Kids Learn to Do…Stuff

If you find any of these questions tickle your fancy, then dive in.

A. When do kids learn to walk, run, talk, slide, and jump

1. Walk: What age do kids walk?

• 9-13 months: Some babies will start holding on to furniture and cruise along at this age.
• 15 months: This is the average age when kids learn to walk.
• 15-18 months: Some kids take longer than average and may not get up and walk or run until this age.

2. Run: At what age do kids learn to run?

• 2–15 Months: Walking Quickly- Toddlers start walking quickly, showing early signs of balance and coordination, though not yet running.
• 18 Months: Early Running- Most toddlers take their first wobbly runs, with short and uneven steps.
• 2 Years: More Stable Running- At around two years old, children can run with greater stability. Their movements become more fluid, and they can stop and change direction without falling as often.
• 2.5 Years: Improved Speed and Agility- Speed and agility increase as kids navigate obstacles and enjoy running games.
• 3 Years: Confident Running and Turning- Children run confidently, handling quick turns, stops, and starts with ease during play.

3. Talk: When do kids learn to talk?

Experts say, at what age do kids learn to speak or at what age do kids learn to talk depends on individual milestones. Kids typically learn to talk between 6month to 3 years. Here is a timeline to help parents:

• 4-6 months: Babbling Begins- Around 4 to 6 months, babies start to babble. They experiment with sounds, producing repetitive syllables like “ba-ba” or “da-da.”
• 12 months: First Words- By their first birthday, many babies say their first words, such as “mama” or “dada.” They begin associating words with objects, people, or actions, and their vocabulary gradually expands.
• 18-24 months: Two-Word Sentences- Between 18 and 24 months, toddlers start combining two words to form simple sentences like “want cookie” or “go outside.
• 2-3 years: Three-Word Phrases and Rapid Vocabulary Growth- Use three-word phrases such as “I want juice” or “Where’s mommy?” and experience rapid vocabulary growth, forming more complex sentences.
• 3+ years: Expanded Communication- Start using longer sentences and a richer vocabulary. They can articulate thoughts more clearly and ask questions like “Why is it raining?”

4. Slide: When do kids start learning sliding?

• 18-24 months: On average, a kid can climb up a small plastic slide at home and slide down at this age.
• 2 years: The slides at park should be used by kids when they are at least 2 years old and can follow safety instructions from someone supervising them.

5. Jump: When Do Kids Learn to Jump?

Tracking this timeline can help parents determine what age do kids learn to jump effectively.

• 12–15 Months: Toddlers start bending their knees and bouncing in place, preparing for jumping.
• 18 Months: They manage small jumps with support, improving balance and coordination.
• 2 Years: Kids can jump off low surfaces like steps or curbs with both feet.
• 2.5 Years: They achieve two-footed jumps, either in place or moving forward.
• 3 Years: Confidently jumping forward and beginning to hop on one foot during play.

B. When do kids learn alphabets, phonics, colors, letters, and shapes

1. Alphabet: When do kids learn the alphabet?

Many parents ask, ‘When do kids learn their ABCs and begin writing them? Understanding this timeline can help answer, ‘What age do kids learn the alphabet?’ :

• 12–18 Months: Children begin noticing letters in books and their surroundings but cannot identify them yet. They may show interest in letter shapes and enjoy being read to.
• 2–3 Years: Many children recognize some letters, especially those in their name, and enjoy singing the alphabet song. They may start pointing to letters and attempting to name them.
• 3–4 Years: By this age, kids can identify most uppercase and lowercase letters and begin associating them with sounds, laying the foundation for phonics.
• 4–5 Years: Most children master the alphabet, can write letters, and use phonics to form simple words, making this an important stage for early reading skills.

2. Phonics: At what age do kids learn letter sounds?

Children typically start learning letter sounds (phonics) between 3 and 6 years:

• 3–4 Years: Begin recognizing letters and connecting them to simple sounds through songs and games.
• 4–5 Years: Associate letters with sounds systematically and start blending sounds to form simple words.
• 5–6 Years: Develop stronger phonics skills, decode complex words, and read simple sentences fluently.

3. Colors: When do kids learn colors?

• 18–24 Months: Begin recognizing and identifying basic colors like red, blue, and yellow. They might not name the colors correctly but can often match or point to them when asked.
• 2–3 Years: Most children can name common colors with increasing accuracy. They start using colors to describe objects, like “red ball” or “blue car.”
• 3–4 Years: Children understand and name a wider range of colors, including secondary colors like purple, green, and orange. They can sort and categorize objects by color.

4. Counting: When do kids learn to count?

• 2–3 Years: They begin reciting numbers in order, often through songs or rhymes, and may count small groups of 1–3 objects without fully understanding the concept.
• 3–4 Years: The typical age kids learn to count to 10 is around 3–4 years, when they use one-to-one correspondence to count objects accurately.
• 4–5 Years: By 4–5 years, the kids learn to count to 20 or more, they also start understanding patterns and basic addition concepts.

5. Shapes: When do kids learn shapes?

• 12–18 Months: Begin recognizing and sorting simple shapes like circles and squares.
• 2–3 Years: Can identify and name basic shapes (circle, square, triangle).
• 3–4 Years: Understand and differentiate more complex shapes (rectangle, oval, diamond).
• 4–5 Years: Recognize 3D shapes (sphere, cube, cylinder) and describe shape properties (e.g., sides, corners).

C. When do kids learn to Blow their nose, Use a straw, Paint, Wipe their bum, and to Share

1. Blow their nose: When do kids learn how to blow their nose?

The process begins at 2–3 years, when kids start learning how to blow their nose with help, but by 4–5 years, most can manage it independently. Here’s the timeline:

• 2–3 Years: Begin understanding the concept of blowing but often lack the coordination to blow through their nose effectively. May attempt with guidance but require help.
• 3–4 Years: Develop better control and coordination to blow their nose with reminders. Need supervision to use tissues properly and maintain hygiene.
• 4–5 Years: The age kids learn to blow their nose independently is typically around 4–5 years when they also understand hygiene, such as disposing of tissues and washing their hands.

2. Use a straw: At what age do kids learn to use a straw?

• 6–9 Months: Babies begin exploring how to drink from a straw with help. Training straw cups are ideal for practice.
• 9–12 Months: Most babies learn to suck from a straw as they develop better oral coordination.
• 12–18 Months: Toddlers master straw use and drink comfortably with minimal spills.
• 18 Months+: Using a straw becomes second nature, and kids learn to use straws independently. Every child develops at their own pace—patience and practice make a big difference!

3. Paint: What is the usual age kids learn to paint?

• 12–24 Months: Explore textures, colors, and sensory play, starting with finger painting and grasp paintbrushes to make simple marks, enjoying the process of painting.
• 2–4 Years: Develop hand control for intentional strokes and basic shapes, experimenting with colors and simple representations.
• 5+ Years: Engage in creative expression, painting detailed scenes or figures and telling stories through artwork.

4. Wipe their bum: When do kids learn to wipe their bum?

• 2–3 Years: Kids start potty training and begin learning to wipe with help.
• 3–4 Years: They wipe with guidance but may not clean thoroughly.
• 4–5 Years: Most can wipe independently, with occasional checks.
• 5–6 Years: Kids master wiping and practice proper hygiene.

Patience and positive reinforcement are key in helping children master this important skill!

5.Learn to Share: When do kids learn to share?

• 1–4 Years: Toddlers struggle with sharing, may grab toys, and require encouragement to share. Empathy begins to develop around age 4, making sharing easier.
• 5–7 Years: Sharing becomes more natural as children understand fairness, cooperation, and the happiness it brings to others.
• 7+ Years: Children consistently share in various social settings, recognizing sharing as a sign of respect and kindness.

D. When do kids learn to swim, tie shoes, read, write letters, skip and Left & Right

1. Swim: When do kids learn to swim?

If you’re wondering, “What age do kids learn to swim?” here is the timeline to help the parents:

• 6 Months – 1 Year: Water Familiarity: Infants can begin water acclimation through parent-and-baby swim classes, where they learn to feel comfortable in the water.
• 1-3 Years: Basic Water Comfort: Toddlers may learn to blow bubbles, splash, and kick with support but lack the coordination for independent swimming.
• 4-5 Years: Learning Basic Strokes: Develop basic strokes, floating, and gliding with supervision. This is often the best age for kids to learn swimming fundamentals.
• 6-7 Years: Swimming Short Distances: Most kids can swim short distances independently, including basic strokes like freestyle and backstroke.
• 8+ Years: Refining Skills: Children refine strokes, build stamina, and become more confident swimmers. They can often swim laps and participate in swim teams or lessons.

This timeline may vary depending on access to lessons, exposure, and individual development.

2. Tie shoes: When do kids learn to tie shoes?

If you’re wondering at what age do kids learn to tie their shoes or when should kids learn to tie shoes, here’s the timeline to help you:

• 2–4 Years : Develop fine motor skills by pulling Velcro straps or slipping on shoes; may begin practicing basic lacing motions.
• 4–6 Years: Start understanding shoe-tying concepts, practicing knots and loops with assistance, and gradually improving coordination. This is the average age kids learn to tie shoes, though some may still need help.
• 6–7 Years: Most children can tie their shoes independently and refine their technique for consistency and speed.

3. Reading: At what age do kids learn to read?

If you’re curious about when do most kids learn to read or at what grade do kids learn to read, here’s the timeline for you:

• 1–3 Years: Begin recognizing familiar signs, logos, and symbols. Enjoy listening to stories, looking at pictures, and identifying some letters, especially in their name.
• 4–5 Years: Recognize more letters, learn letter-sound relationships (phonics), and start blending sounds to read simple words. Some children begin identifying frequently used sight words.
• 6–7 Years: Read simple sentences and short books with growing fluency and comprehension. Begin understanding punctuation and sentence structure.
• 7+ Years: Read longer texts independently with better comprehension, expression, and vocabulary. Develop reading confidence and fluency. The average age kids learn to read falls between 5 and 7, but every child progresses at their own pace.

4. Write letters: When do kids learn to write?

Many parents often wonder, what age do kids learn to write, as it is a significant milestone in their early development of literacy skills. Here’s the timeline to help parents:

• 2–4 Years: Develop fine motor skills through scribbling, drawing lines, and starting to form simple shapes or letters.
• 4–5 Years: By this age, many kids learn to write letters, especially those in their name, and begin forming short, simple words.
• 5–6 Years: Parents may be curious about what age do kids learn to write their names, with most children begins to write their names independently around 5 or 6 years of age. They also begin to form sentences, though their handwriting may not yet be fully legible.
• 6+Years: Develop better control over handwriting, write longer sentences and short paragraphs more legibly, and focus on spelling and punctuation.

5. How to skip: When do kids start to learn how to skip?

• 3–4 Years: Some children begin to show interest in skipping, but they may not yet be able to skip smoothly or consistently. They might try hopping on one foot or alternating feet while moving.
• 4–5 Years: Most children start to master the basic rhythm of skipping by this age, though some may need more practice with coordination and balance.
• 5–6 Years: By this age, many children can skip with confidence and coordination, often skipping as part of play or physical activities.

6. Left & Right: When do kids learn left and right?

Parents often wonder, when do kids learn right and left, as it is a key milestone in their early development of spatial awareness.” Here’s the timeline to guide parents:

• 2–4 Years: Begin developing basic awareness of body parts, with some understanding of left and right, though confusion is common.
• 4–5 Years: By this age, children usually begin to consistently identify left and right on their own, though they may still occasionally mix them up.
• 5–6 Years: Most children can reliably distinguish between left and right, particularly with practice and visual cues.

E. When do kids learn to tell time, do math, add, subtract, multiply, divide and fraction

1. Tell time: When do kids learn to tell time?

• 4–5 Years: Children begin recognizing numbers and hands on an analog clock, and can tell time to the hour and half-hour.
• 6–7 Years: At what age do kids learn about time often depends on their individual development, but many children grasp this by 6 years old. By this age, kids can tell time to the nearest five minutes on both analog and digital clocks and understand basic concepts like morning, afternoon, and evening.
• 8+ Years: By age 8, most kids can tell time accurately to the minute and grasp the concept of elapsed time, marking the point when what age do kids learn to tell time becomes clearer, as they master time management skills.

2. Math: When do kids learn math?

• 1–3 Years: The age kids learn math varies, but they typically begin exploring basic math concepts like counting and number recognition through play and songs.
• 4–6 Years: Start understanding quantity, counting objects, and recognizing numbers 1–10. Learn simple addition and subtraction.
• 7–9 Years: Develop skills in multi-digit addition, subtraction, and basic multiplication. Master multiplication tables and division.
• 10+ Years: Dive into fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and basic geometry, progressing into algebra and advanced problem-solving.

3. Addition: At what age do kids learn addition?

Parents often wonder when do kids learn to add, and the answer is usually tied to their individual readiness and educational environment. Here’s the timeline to help parents understand at what age kids learn addition:

• 1–4 Years: Begin recognizing quantities and “adding” objects in play, understand simple addition using objects or fingers.
• 5–7 Years: Learn addition within 10 using visual aids, number lines, and manipulatives, and add within 20 while understanding the inverse relationship with subtraction.
• 8+ Years: Master two-digit addition with and without regrouping, tackle multi-step word problems, and handle larger numbers.

4. Subtraction: When do kids learn subtraction?

• 3–4 Years: Understand “taking away” using objects.
• 5–6 Years: At this age, kids learn subtraction within 10 using visuals or fingers, and begin grasping the relationship between addition and subtraction.
• 7–9 Years: Solve two-digit subtraction with regrouping, master subtraction facts, and apply them in word problems.
• 10+ years: Handle advanced subtraction, including large numbers, decimals, and fractions.

5. Multiplication: When do kids learn multiplication?

If you’re curious about at what grade do kids learn multiplication or at what age do kids learn multiplication, here’s the timeline for you:

• 6–8 Years: Introduction to multiplication as repeated addition using visuals, learn times tables (1–5), and simple multiplication facts.
• 9–10 Years: Master times tables (1–12) and solve single-digit multiplication problems, including multiplying multi-digit numbers by single-digit numbers.
• 11+ Years: Multiply multi-digit numbers by multi-digit numbers and explore advanced multiplication concepts, including decimals

6. Division: At what age do kids learn division?

• 6–8 Years: Introduction to basic division through sharing and grouping, learning simple division facts, and understanding the relationship between multiplication and division.
• 9–10 Years: Master basic division facts and solve single-digit division problems. At this age kids learn long division with single-digit divisors.
• 11+ Years: Perform long division with multi-digit divisors and solve complex word problems.

7. Fractions: At what grade do kids learn fractions?

• 5–7 Years: Understand basic concepts like halves, quarters, and fractions as parts of a whole using visuals and objects.
• 8–9 Years: Write, identify, and compare simple fractions, and learn equivalent fractions.
• 10–11 Years: Add/subtract fractions with like and unlike denominators, and begin working with improper fractions.
• 12+ Years: Multiply/divide fractions, and convert fractions to decimals and percentages.

F. When do kids learn cursive, coding, crochet, empathy and gratitude.

1.Cursive: When do kids learn cursive?

If you are wondering, at what age do kids learn cursive? Here is the timeline t help parents.=:

• 5–6 Years: Introduction to basic pre-writing skills, focusing on pencil grip and motor control.
• 7–8 Years: Begin cursive writing with simple lowercase letters, learning strokes and connections.
• 8–9 Years: Progress to uppercase cursive letters and writing short words and sentences.
• 9–10 Years: Practice fluency in writing longer texts and improving legibility.

2. Coding: How can young kids learn how to code?

• 3–5 Years: Explore coding basics with toys like Cubetto and Bee-Bot, focusing on sequencing and patterns.
• 6–7 Years: Use drag-and-drop platforms like ScratchJr to learn loops, sequences, and basic programming logic.
• 8–10 Years: Advance with tools like Scratch or Code.org, introducing loops, conditionals, and debugging.
• 11–13 Years: Transition to text-based coding with languages like Python, creating small projects and learning syntax.
• 14+ Years: Master advanced languages (e.g., Java, JavaScript) and real-world applications like robotics or web development.

3. Crochet: At what age can kids learn to crochet?

• 5–6 Years Old: Learn basic techniques like holding the crochet hook and making chains.
• 7–8 Years Old: This is the right age for kids to learn crochet patterns like small squares or basic shapes.
• 9–10 Years Old: Tackle projects like scarves or small amigurumi and learn new stitches.
• 11+ Years: Work on more complex projects like shawls, hats, and master advanced techniques like lace patterns and multi-color designs.

4. Empathy: When do kids learn empathy?

Understanding at what age do kids learn empathy can help guide parents in nurturing their child’s emotional intelligence. Here’s the timeline:

• 2-3 Years: Show basic empathy, like comforting others.
• 4-5 Years: Recognize and understand emotions.
• 6-7 Years: Develop a deeper understanding of others’ feelings and express empathy more consistently.
• 8-10 Years: Show a more mature sense of empathy, respond to complex emotions with maturity.

5. Gratitude: At what age do kids learn gratitude?

• 3-4 Years: Begin to understand the concept of saying “thank you” with guidance.
• 5-6 Years: Start to show more consistent appreciation and grasp the deeper meaning of gratitude.
• 7-8 Years: Develop a stronger understanding of gratitude, expressing it in various social situations.
• 9-12 Years: Begin to demonstrate a more mature sense of gratitude, understanding its value in relationships and social settings.

G. When do kids learn to somersault, learn piano, learn guitar, learn about money and learn chess.

1. Somersault: When do kids learn to somersault?

• 2-3 Years: Begin experimenting with rolling movements.
• 4-5 Years: Start performing basic forward rolls with assistance.
• 6-7 Years: Begin doing somersaults independently.
• 8-10 Years: By this age, kids learn to do somersaults confidently and may start learning more advanced tumbling technique.

2. Playing Piano: At what age can kids learn piano?

If you’re wondering, At what age can kids learn piano? Here’s the ideal timeline for you:

• 4-5 Years: At this age, kids can start learning piano with basic rhythm, hand coordination, and simple songs.
• 6-7 Years: Begin formal lessons, learning basic notes, scales, and simple pieces.
• 8-10 Years: Improve technique, play more complex songs, and understand music theory.
• 11-12 Years: Refine skills, play intermediate pieces, and explore different genres.

3. Guitar: At what age can kids start learning guitar?

The ideal age for a kid to learn guitar is typically between 6 and 13+ years old.

• 6-7 years: Start with basic chords and rhythm on a child-sized guitar.
• 8-9 years: Learn more complex chords and simple songs.
• 10-12 years: Begin advanced techniques like barre chords and fingerpicking.
• 13+ years: By this age, children typically have the coordination to play more advanced music and can start learning specific genres or more intricate techniques.

4. About Money: At what age do kids learn about money?

• 3–5 Years: Recognizing coins and bills, understanding basic concepts of “buying” and “selling” through pretend play. This is when kids learn about coins.
• 6–8 Years: Kids learn to count money, start saving with allowances or piggy banks, and learn the difference between needs and wants.
• 9–11 Years: Managing allowance, setting savings goals, and understanding simple budgeting.
• 12–14 Years: Learning about credit, interest, and basic financial decisions, starting to manage personal finances.
• 15+ Years: Handle bank accounts, part time jobs, and understand advanced financial concepts, including billions in economics.

5. Chess: At what age can kids learn chess?

If you’re wondering, “At what age can kids start learning chess?” here is the timeline to help the parents:

• 2–3 Years: Recognize chess pieces and learn their names.
• 4–5 Years: Understand basic rules and piece movements.
• 6–7 Years: Play full games with guidance and learn simple strategies.
• 8–10 Years: Develop advanced tactics and participate in tournaments.
• 11–12 Years: Master advanced strategies and compete at higher levels.

Each child develops at their own pace, so it’s important to tailor chess learning to their interest and cognitive readiness.

H. At what age do kids learn to ride a bike, ski, skate, open jars and to recycle.

1. Ride a Bike: At what age do kids learn to ride a bike?

When do kids learn to ride a bike? is a common question many parents ask as they watch their children grow. Here’s the timeline to help parents:

• 2–4 Years: Begin learning balance and coordination through balance bikes or tricycles, transitioning to pedal bikes with training wheels.
• 5–6 Years: Transition to pedal bikes without training wheels, mastering balance and coordination.
• 6–7 years: Research shows that what age do kids learn to ride a bike varies, but most children start riding independently around age 6 or 7, given adequate practice and encouragement.
• 7+ Years: Kids refine biking skills, and learn to navigate different terrains and ride safely.

2. Ski: At what age can kids learn how to ski?

If you’re wondering, at what age can kids learn to ski? Here’s the ideal timeline:

• 2–4 Years: Introduction through play, basic sliding, and learning balance.
• 5–7 Years: Start skiing lessons, focusing on balance, stopping, and turning on beginner slopes.
• 8–10 Years: Improve technique, control, and ski independently on easy to intermediate slopes.
• 11+ Years: Refine skills, master advanced techniques, and explore challenging terrains.

3. Skating: At what age do kids learn skating?

• 2–3 Years: Early Balance: Toddlers begin balance practice with stability exercises or toddler-friendly skates.
• 4–5 Years: Beginner Skating: Kids start learning basic skating skills using quad or adjustable inline skates, focusing on balance.
• 6–7 Years: Skill Building: Children practice gliding, stopping, and turning on smooth surfaces.
• 8–10 Years: Advanced Techniques: Skaters refine skills like backward skating, sharp turns, and simple tricks.
• 10+ Years: Proficiency: Older kids master complex skills, including jumping and skating on varied terrain.

4. Open Jars: At what age do kids learn to open jars?

• 12-18 Months: Babies explore twisting motions but lack the strength and coordination to open jars.
• 2-3 Years: Toddlers can begin practicing with loose lids or simple containers but still require assistance.
• 4-5 Years: Preschoolers can open easy-to-grip or lightly tightened jars independently with practice.
• 6-7 Years: Most children develop the strength and coordination to open standard jars on their own.
• 8+ Years: By this age, kids can handle most jars, including those with tighter lids, independent.

This timeline may vary depending on the child’s motor skill development and opportunities to practice.

5. Recycle: At what age do kids learn to recycle?

• 2-3 Years: Toddlers begin recognizing items like paper and plastic and enjoy sorting with guidance.
• 4-5 Years: Preschoolers can sort basic recyclables into bins with supervision. They begin to understand the concept of reusing.
• 6-7 Years: Kids understand the importance of recycling and can sort items like cans, bottles, and paper independently.
• 8-10 Years: They grasp environmental impact and may participate in school recycling programs.
• 11+ Years: Pre-teens develop independent recycling habits and may advocate for sustainability.

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