March
Hi all!!
While we are all stuck inside, we thought we could share ideas and resources on how to build fine motor skills in our little learners! Enjoy and stay safe and healthy!
While we are all stuck inside, we thought we could share ideas and resources on how to build fine motor skills in our little learners! Enjoy and stay safe and healthy!
Fine Motor Skills in Preschool
The words, “fine motor skills” is a phrase we hear often. It
is something that has been around for a long time, so what’s the hype about
now? What’s the big deal?
The term, “fine motor skills,” refers to the coordinated use
of the small muscles in our hands and fingers to perform everyday tasks. If you
think back to when you were a kid, you may remember going outside, playing with
toys, drawing, doing puzzles, etc. While kids today still do those things,
there is one big difference…technology. Technology is a wonderful invention, and iPads
provide wonderful resources for learning as well as accessibility. However, it
is now more important than ever that we be intentional about providing kids with
opportunities for fine motor skill development. Recent research shows an
inverse relationship between screen time and fine motor performance. So, the
more time a child spends on an iPad, iPhone, video game, etc., the worse they
perform on tasks related to their fine motor skills.
What can we do to help? Should we throw out the iPads and
iPhones? Of course not. But, we can encourage our child to use their hands to
play, invent new things, and accomplish everyday tasks. Below is a list of
great fine motor skill activities as well as some of my favorite resources as a
pediatric occupational therapist. Enjoy!
Fine Motor
Play Ideas
·
Peel and place stickers on lines and shapes
·
String cheerios, buttons, or beads onto pipe
cleaners
·
Use kitchen tongs to pick up pom poms or other
fun toys
·
Hole punch paper with miniature hole punch
·
Make things out of play doh
·
Hide small items in play doh for your child to
find
·
Paint with Q-tips
·
Cut along paint swatch samples
·
Clip clothespins onto popsicle sticks
·
Copy lines and shapes into sand, shaving cream,
paint, etc.
Additional
Resources
So informative! Many great and creative ideas. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'll try these now that I have the time!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! Thanks
ReplyDelete