What skill should a child exhibit as they approach their first birthday?

As a child approaches their first birthday, one of the skills they typically exhibit is the ability to kick a ball. This physical development milestone is part of a broader range of gross motor skills that children develop during their first year of life. By around 12 months, many children are beginning to gain better control over their movements and can perform actions such as kicking a small ball with some degree of coordination. This ability reflects their growing muscle strength and coordination.

In contrast, drawing simple shapes, speaking in full sentences, and counting to five generally develop later in a child's growth. Drawing requires fine motor skills that are usually not fully developed until children are older. Speaking in full sentences typically begins around age two, and counting is also a skill that emerges well after the first birthday. Therefore, kicking a ball is a more appropriate skill for a child approaching their first birthday, as it aligns with their developmental stage at that time.