Fine Motor Fun
Strong hands help children do more than just play - they help them get ready for kindergarten! Fine motor skills, like rolling playdough, cutting, coloring and stringing beads, build the hand strength and coordination children need for writing letters and holding a pencil. Practicing these skills in fun, everyday activities makes writing easier and gives your child a head start on learning to read and write.
Do-Together Activities
Practice with Scissors
Note: For activities involving scissors, please ensure child is supervised by an adult.
Draw & Cut
Parent draws a shape on a piece of paper
Child cuts along the lines
Trace & Cut
Parent draws a shape on a piece of paper
Child traces over the line drawn
Child cuts along the lines
Color & Trace
Color pictures
Trace lines or letters
Real-Life Practice
Practice buttoning and zipping clothes
Practice opening containers (twist, pull, etc)
Play Dough Activities
Fine-motor skill-building activities :
Pinch small pieces and roll the dough into balls or long shapes
Use hands to press and flatten the dough
Use plastic knives or safe tools to cut or shape the dough
Roll and form the dough into simple shapes or objects
Use household items (forks, cups, lids) to make patterns
Hide small items in the dough and have your child find them
Press dough along a line or shape to build control
Build letters by rolling the dough, then shaping it
Small Object Play
String wooden beads on pipe cleaners
Pick up cereal/pom-poms
Print at Home Materials
