Fine motor skills refer to the small movements made by our fingers, hands and wrists. They allow us to perform all sorts of tasks, from writing and drawing to cutting and buttoning up clothes. Developing these skills is especially important for young children at school, as they begin to develop their independence and learn how to write. You can find out more information in this fine motor skills blog post.
Fortunately, there are many resources available to help children improve their fine motor skills. Here are some tried and tested examples which you can use at home or school:
1. Hole Punchers
Hole punchers are a great way to develop fine motor skills, as they require children to use their fingers and hands to manipulate them. You could use hole punchers in a maths activity. Write a number on a piece of paper and ask children to punch out that many holes.
2. Playdough and Tools
Playdough is an excellent tool for developing fine motor skills, as children can squeeze, pinch, and roll the dough. Using tools can add even more of a fine motor workout to the activity!
3. Activity Boards
Using activity boards is an fun way to develop fine motor skills, as children have to use their fingers to twist and turn different screws and tools. An engaging activity for children who love building and construction!
4. Lacing
Threading and lacing are great activities for developing fine motor skills, as they require children to pick up and manipulate small objects. Hand-eye coordination will also be improved because concentration is needed to thread the lace through such small holes!
5. Pegboards
Pegs and pegboards are an ideal way to improve a child's pincer grip. Pincer grasp refers to using the forefinger and thumb together to ‘pinch’ or grasp an object. Pegboards also fun for making patterns and creating pictures!
6. LCD Writing Tablets
These tablets are an anxiety-free way for children to practise mark-making and handwriting. If they make a mistake it doesn't matter, they can simply start again!
7. Pipettes
The design of a pipette means that they're perfect for developing the pincer grip! This is the same grip needed for holding a pencil. You could challenge children to transfer a drop of water into each section of an ice cube tray!
8. Geoboards
As children manipulate elastic bands over the nails, they'll exercise the small muscles in their hands. Not only that - they'll also improve their hand-eye coordination!
9. Magnetic Blocks
As children build with the blocks, they'll begin to improve control over small hand and finger movements. This in turn will help them to perform activities such as writing or using scissors.
10. Tweezers
Sturdy tweezers require a little more force to squeeze them, making them perfect for school-age children. They also support an efficient pencil grip, as they generally have moulded finger placements.
In conclusion, developing fine motor skills is essential for children! By using resources such as those listed above, plus puzzles, scissors, beads, and colouring books, children can improve their fine motor skills and enhance their overall physical and cognitive development. So why not try some of these resources today and see the difference they can make?
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