Promoting Fine Motor Skills
Promoting Fine Motor Skills
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What are Fine Motor Skills?
What are Fine Motor Skills?
The term hand function is used interchangeably with terms fine motor coordination, fine motor skills and hand skills. (Case-Smith & Exner, 2015). Fine motor skills refer to the patterns of reaching, grasping, carrying, voluntary release, in-hand manipulation and bilateral coordination.
Why Are They Important?
Why Are They Important?
Impact on Academic Tasks:
Fine motor skills are foundational for key academic activities such as handwriting, coloring, using scissors, and handling manipulatives (ie. blocks, coins, puzzles, etc.) Competent in these skills ensures students can fully participate in classroom activities and meet curriculum expectations.
Impact on Self-Care and Independence:
Fine motor skills are essential for activities of daily living such as dressing (zipping, buttoning or fastening), personal hygiene (brushing teeth and washing hands) and eating (self-feeding and using utensils).
Social and Emotional Impact:
Challenges with fine motor tasks can lead students to frustration, decreased confidence, self-efficacy, low self-esteem, and reduced participation in academic and social activities. Providing the appropriate supports for students to perform fine motor tasks can help promote emotional wellbeing and increase positive peer interactions.
Strategies for Teachers to Promote Fine Motor Skills in the Classroom
Optimal Seating
Optimal Seating
Wooden footstool can promote good posture and proper ergonomics to have feet flat on the floor when seated at the desk.
Fine Motor Activity Station
Fine Motor Activity Station
Fine motor art activity such as DIY Slime targets skills such as executive functioning, sequencing of steps, bilateral coordination, precision, and fine motor control. It promotes an opportunity for peer learning and problem solving.
Tool Adaptations
Tool Adaptations
Loop scissors can help with eye hand coordination, fine motor control and coordination when participating in arts and crafts activities.
OT's Role
OT's role is to promote functional independence in academic performance by building motor skills:
Integration of tactile and visual input to promote visual-motor coordination
Promoting pincer, tripod, three chuck grasping patterns
Coaching and collaborative approach with teachers
QR to Fine Motor Resources
Case-Smith, E. O. (2015). Occupational therapy for children and adolescents - e-book. Mosby.
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