As part of our school readiness series, we’re talking this week about “fine motor skills,” which is just a fancy term for use of the hands.
Fine motor skills are important because they enable children to button shirts, count with coins, sort blocks, cut with safety scissors, zip zippers, and draw with crayons and pencils.
The skills we grown-ups take for granted can be frustrating for preschoolers to master. But they’re vital for school readiness!
A child who begins school and can’t cut with scissors might spend his precious time and energy frustrated with kindergarten activities. That’s energy and frustration that distracts him from following directions and learning phonics. It creates a domino effect that puts him behind, lowers his confidence, and leaves him discouraged.
Research continually shows that children who start behind tend to stay behind. And that’s not what any of us want if we can help it. At First Steps, we believe WE CAN help it. {In fact, that’s our mission: creating a community where children are ready for school.}
So here are 10 everyday ways you can nurture fine motor skills during the preschool years in your child and in the children you care for. {Thanks to this post at parents.com for the ideas!}
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paste things onto paper
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clap hands
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touch fingers
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button and unbutton {give them a shirt that’s their “button practicing shirt”}
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work a zipper {a small jacket is a great way to practice}
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build a tower of 10 blocks
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complete puzzles with five or more pieces
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manipulate pencils and crayons well enough to color and draw
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copy a circle or cross onto a piece of paper
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cut out simple shapes with safety scissors
These activities don’t require expensive supplies or an education degree. They are skills that can be practiced at the kitchen table or on the living room floor. In fact, most young children consider these activities “play.” While they will probably need your help at the beginning, regular practice will go a long way in developing their fine motor skills quickly. {Their kindergarten teachers will thank you.}
Best of all, you have a child who’s confident and ready to learn.
Want more creative ideas on developing fine motor skills in preschoolers? Here are some great links!
8 Fun Ways to Build Fine Motor Skills at understood.org
Fine Motor Skills in Infants and Toddlers at day2dayparenting.com
If you’d like to know everyday ways that you can nurture the young children and their families in your life, subscribe to our blog where we provide FREE tips and everyday encouragement! {You can do that in the top right sidebar of the blog.}
We’d love to hear your thoughts! What’s your favorite way to develop fine motor skills?
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