Fine Motor Milestones

Click the link below to find a general list of average developmental milestones of fine motor skills. Remember, every child is developing at their own pace, pay attention to any red flags and promote development through play and engagement. If there are any questions or concerns, be sure to speak to your pediatrician and/or occupational therapist. https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/typical-fine-motor-developmental-milestones-ages-0-6-free-printable.html

Development of Grasp

Below is the average development of gripping a pencil.

**Click the link to find activities to promote the development of pencil grasp: https://www.theottoolbox.com/improving-pencil-grasp-with-fine-motor/

Pre-Writing Skills

Below are average developmental skills related to pre-writing, which are necessary to be able to continue the development of handwriting.

**Click the link to find activities that help promote the growth of pre-writing skills: https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/basics-pre-writing-activities-skills-kids

Scissor Skills

I know putting a pair of scissors in your young child’s hand can be intimidating, but safety scissors are a good alternative to use to help introduce scissors into your child’s life! If you want to start practicing without scissors, you can have your child use a spray bottle to water the plants, or “clean” the window – these activities will strengthen those muscles in the hand and practice performing that open/close action of scissors before using the actual tool!

Start with a little frozen playdoh instead of paper, or stand behind them and guide them making little snips to create “fur” on the shape of a dog or cat.

Below are average developmental skills related to the management and manipulation of scissors to complete cutting tasks. The ability to use both hands (bilateral coordination) is an important skill needed to complete cutting tasks.

• By 2 years of age:
  • can make one snip at a time.
• By 3 years of age:
  • can snip forward along a line (not continuous motions forward)
• By 4 years of age:
  • can cut 6 inches along a straight line (¼ inch wide) after demonstration and without assistance, staying within ¼ inch of the line
  • can cut 6 inches along a curved line (¼ inch wide) after demonstration and without assistance, staying within ¼ inch of line)
  • can cut out a circle of at least 6 inches in diameter without assistance, staying within ½ of the line
• By 5 years of age:
  • can cut out a square at least 3 inches wide without assistance, staying within ½ inch of the line
  • can cut out a triangle at least 3 inches wide without assistance, staying within ½ inch of the line
  • can cut out pictures after demonstration that are at least 6 inches in length and width and whose outlines are no more than ¼ inch wide, while following the general shape
• By 6 years of age:
  • can cut cloth for at least 6 inches using sharp scissors under close, careful supervision
• By 6 ½ years of age:
  • can cut out complex pictures by following the outlines without assistance

**Click the link to find activities to promote the development and refinement of scissor skills: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NdEsOtc1eWIAQJ9W07oXm08P4-SMklYf9AAXG9D7Bp8/edit?usp=sharing

Fine Motor Activities To Do at Home!

Click the link below to find Fine Motor Development Home Exercises and Activities and continue building fine motor skills at home: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CyaawUhgKEeLIClPG4Eo6w2oLvPgUpBSnoLOBM7l7o0/edit?usp=sharing