Which behavior might indicate fine motor skill development in a 2-year-old child?

Holding a crayon and scribbling spontaneously is a significant behavior that indicates fine motor skill development in a 2-year-old child. At this age, children are beginning to refine their hand-eye coordination and control over smaller objects. Scribbling is an early form of drawing, and it demonstrates that the child is developing the dexterity needed to manipulate a writing instrument. This activity also reflects cognitive growth, as the child explores creativity and expression through mark-making.

In contrast, using scissors to cut paper typically requires more advanced fine motor skills and hand strength than what is expected of a 2-year-old, making it a less appropriate indicator of their developmental stage. Building a tower with blocks primarily showcases gross motor skills and spatial awareness rather than fine motor control. Filling a cup with sand involves gross motor skills related to scooping and pouring, rather than the fine manipulation of objects. Therefore, scribbling serves as the clearest sign of emerging fine motor abilities at this age.