Incorporating fine motor skills into everyday play!
What are fine motor skills?
Fine motor skills involve the coordinated movement of the small muscles of the hands to carry out such activities as writing, coloring, opening containers, or using scissors.
Fine motor skills are necessary for everyday skills and tasks including academic skills such as drawing, writing, and cutting but are not just limited to that. Without functional fine motor skills, play can become limited as well as their independence with self-care skills such as getting dressed, feeding themselves, etc.). A lack of functional fine motor skills can also affect relationships with others as well as self-confidence and motivation.
Here are some stress-free ways to incorporate fine motor into play:
Paint ice cubes using a paintbrush or clothespin with a cotton ball. Not only does this focus on fine motor skills, but you are also incorporating sensory play as well!
Tear paper and make a collage! Recycling any paper, bags, magazines, etc..? Use that paper to tear and use those little muscles.
Have a car wash! Fill up a bin with soap and water inside or take your play outside! Scrub your cars with soap and a toothbrush. Don’t forget to rinse them clean!
Dig in the dirt or sand; Add to your play with smaller utensils like a spoon or scoop. Trace letters, shapes on pictures in the sand focusing on use of your pointer finger.
Become an artist! Create an art project with sticks and branches from around the yard! Work on breaking the branches and gluing them to paper to make a picture!
Playing dress up is a great way to incorporate fine motor skills focusing on snaps, buttons, and velcro!
Have a water fight with spray bottles! Fill up your water bottles and spray away!
Cook or bake together! You can make a special treat, or have your child join in on daily cooking routines. Anything from setting the table, to mixing, pouring, and measuring are great ways to incorporate fine motor skills!
Encourage opportunities of play with toys such as play doh, blocks, legos.
Fine motor skills don’t have to be just paper and pencil! The opportunities are endless!
Pack your summer full of fun exploration!
Molly Suellentrop, COTA
The Way to Grow Pediatric Therapy Team 🌟
about our featured writer:
Miss Molly is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with a heart and drive to help others, especially children. She finds joy in watching children succeed and become their best self - and what better way to do it than through occupational therapy? Molly has a Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University, and has expertise in the areas of fine motor skills, sensory integration, sensory regulation, visual motor skills, and handwriting skills. In her free time, Molly enjoys spending time with her family (husband, 2 kids) while supporting her children at all of their events and staying active together! Molly and her family love being outdoors and finding new adventures!
