Small Steps Online:
4+ years
Your child is growing into their unique personality — asking questions, expressing ideas, and building stronger relationships with the world around them. This stage is all about deeper learning, emotional growth, and greater independence.
Here you'll find practical strategies and engaging activities to continue supporting your child’s development across movement, communication, and social-emotional skills.
How This Course Helps Your Baby Thrive
Start Small Steps today and give your baby the best start, one step at a time.
#Assess | #Practice | #Achieve
Module Overview
Gross Motor Skills
Your child is becoming more skilled and confident in their physical abilities. Gross motor skills at this age include hopping on one foot, climbing with coordination, kicking or throwing with aim, and participating in group games and physical activities with peers.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor development includes drawing with more detail, cutting along lines with scissors, managing zips and buttons independently, and beginning to write or trace letters. These skills support learning, independence, and self-expression.
Communication Skills
Your child is using full sentences, sharing thoughts and ideas clearly, and beginning to understand the rules of conversation—like listening, taking turns, and staying on topic. They enjoy asking questions, telling stories, and using language in imaginative play.
Receptive Language
This is a feature description, to be used in theReceptive language includes understanding longer instructions, sequencing ideas, answering “why” and “how” questions, and comprehending more complex vocabulary and stories. Your child is developing the foundation for effective learning and communication.
Personal & Social Skills
Your child is building deeper relationships and emotional understanding. They are learning to cooperate, show empathy, solve simple conflicts, and follow social rules at home, school, or in play. They’re also managing routines more independently and taking pride in responsibility.
Disclaimer: The information provided on Small Steps Online is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, therapeutic, or developmental advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers, therapists, or relevant professionals regarding your child’s specific needs and situation. The September Institute and Small Steps Online are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information shared here.
Meet the #DownTeam
Ashley May
Ashley Rodgers is a dedicated physiotherapist based in Cape Town, South Africa, with a special passion for working with children. She graduated with a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Cape Town in 2017 and went on to complete her Community Service at the renowned Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. It was during her time there that her deep interest in paediatrics truly took root.
In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashley opened her own private practice focused exclusively on paediatric physiotherapy, where she supports children with a wide range of gross motor challenges. Her commitment to learning and advancing the field continued with the completion of a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Witwatersrand. Her research explored the relationship between physical activity and gross motor development in children aged 4–6 living in Cape Town.
Ashley is certified in both MAES therapy and General Movements Assessment, and she is currently completing the SANDTA Neurodevelopmental Therapy Course. Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Ashley treasures her role as a mother to a lively toddler—a journey that, she says, has taught her more than any degree ever could. This lived experience deepens her empathy and commitment to helping children and families thrive.
In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashley opened her own private practice focused exclusively on paediatric physiotherapy, where she supports children with a wide range of gross motor challenges. Her commitment to learning and advancing the field continued with the completion of a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Witwatersrand. Her research explored the relationship between physical activity and gross motor development in children aged 4–6 living in Cape Town.
Ashley is certified in both MAES therapy and General Movements Assessment, and she is currently completing the SANDTA Neurodevelopmental Therapy Course. Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Ashley treasures her role as a mother to a lively toddler—a journey that, she says, has taught her more than any degree ever could. This lived experience deepens her empathy and commitment to helping children and families thrive.
#DownTeam
Ashley May
Physiotherapist
@ashleymay_physio
@ashleymay_physio
Nikita Oosthuizen
Nikita is a communications specialist with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Communication Management from North-West University in South Africa, where she specialised in communication for social change.
With a background in both the private and non-profit sectors, she spent three years working with the United Nations in communications and fundraising—collaborating closely with beneficiaries, donors, and high-profile individuals. She was also part of a team leading a campaign to shift societal narratives around people who are different.
Passionate about helping others and creating inclusive spaces, she believes every person has a unique purpose that flourishes with the right guidance and support.
Today, she brings that vision to life in her role as Communications & Program Manager at Small Steps Online and The September Institute.
With a background in both the private and non-profit sectors, she spent three years working with the United Nations in communications and fundraising—collaborating closely with beneficiaries, donors, and high-profile individuals. She was also part of a team leading a campaign to shift societal narratives around people who are different.
Passionate about helping others and creating inclusive spaces, she believes every person has a unique purpose that flourishes with the right guidance and support.
Today, she brings that vision to life in her role as Communications & Program Manager at Small Steps Online and The September Institute.
#DownTeam
Nikita Oosthuizen
Communications & Program Manager
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