What Are Fine Motor Skills?
Fine motor skills involve using the many small muscles of the hands and wrists for everyday activities. In schools, kids use fine motor skills for important tasks such as coloring, writing, cutting, and typing!
Fine Motor Milestones
On average, fine motor skills develop in a typical sequence. Certain skills are generally mastered within an specific age range. However, each child develops at their own pace. Below is a downloadable link to a list of developmental milestone and when they are typically mastered:
Fine Motor Activities
2-3 Years Old:
- Press cookie cutters into play dough
- Use thongs to pick up small items
- Pinch clothespins
- Finger paint
3-6 Years Old:
- Build with block/Legos
- Peel stickers
- String beads
- Puzzles
6+ Years:
Many of the activities mentioned above are still appropriate for children older than 6. These are just additional activities that might spark interest for older kids
- Art classes
- Gymnastics
- Origami
- Board games
Check out this link for Fine Motor Activities that can be completed using household items! http://mamaot.com/fine-motor-activities-using-household-items/
Scissor Skills
Supporting Scissor Readiness Skills: Many perquisite skills must be established before a child learns to use scissors. This includes-
- Opening and closing the hand
- Isolating the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Stabilizing the shoulder, arm, and wrist
- Using both hands together
Developmental Sequence of Scissor Skills:
Random snipping → Controlled snipping → Cutting straight lines → Cutting Curved lines → Cutting simple shapes
Always Remember the Three T’s:
- TUCK– tuck your elbow by your side
- TOP– keep you thumb on top
- TABLE– always cut towards the table and away from you
Link to free download for basic cutting activities! https://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/cutting-activities.html#FreeCuttingTemplate