What is the significance of being able to "build a tower of 9 blocks"?

[stillworried]

Have just received a checklist from the health visitor (in lieu of 3-year development check). One of the things ds is apparently supposed to be able to do is build a tower of 9 blocks.

I'm sure he could if his life depended on it but his interest in towers is more knocking down rather than building up. What is this activity supposed to demonstrate - manual dexterity, concentration, or just an interest in building things??

I seem to recall it was 6 (or was it 8) blocks at the 2-year check. I love the idea that he's spent the last year thinking 'ooh just one more block and I'm there'

:o
Ikwym
I worried about DS's 2 year check but in actual fact the HV just asked me what I thought about his development, talked to him and asked him to bring her a book I think.
I imagined she'd be there with the blocks and the stopwatch!

oh fgs

I bet most three year olds CAN build a tower of 9 blocks.

Whether or not they WILL is another matter entirely...

It demonstrates he has language skills to understand the task, the understanding of how to construct the tower and the fine motor skills to place them accurately and gently enough not to fall.