Fine-Motor Development
Fine-motor development is control over the muscles that regulate the small movements of the fingers, hands and wrists. The development of fine-motor skills enables children to print, write, grasp small objects and fasten clothing.
(Ontario Curriculum)
TRIPOD GRASP
The most effective type of grasp is the tripod grasp which allows children to print more legibly and quickly while allowing for proper letter formation. If you are finding it difficult for your child to hold a pencil properly, try placing a tissue in your child's palm and have them grasp it with their last three fingers. Then have them pick up a pencil - Instant tripod grip!!!!!
(Ontario Curriculum)
TRIPOD GRASP
The most effective type of grasp is the tripod grasp which allows children to print more legibly and quickly while allowing for proper letter formation. If you are finding it difficult for your child to hold a pencil properly, try placing a tissue in your child's palm and have them grasp it with their last three fingers. Then have them pick up a pencil - Instant tripod grip!!!!!
Activities for Fine Motor Development in Young Children
- Purchase colouring books and encourage them to stay within the lines.
- Have them cut paper.
- Manipulating play dough - make various size balls, long/short/thick/thin lines.
- Threading pasta onto a string.
- Picking smaller objects using clothes pegs.
- Button and unbutton clothing.
- Hold container with one hand and put objects in with other hand. Hold container in one hand and remove objects from container with other hand.
- Hold down paper with one hand and scribble.
- Pour water from one container to another.
- Provide dot-to-dot letters or words. In addition to tracing and creating letters/words you could have your child provide the sound the letter you are working on makes. Have your child find the initial/medial/final placement of the letter/sound you are working on (i.e. initial - apple, medial - pan, final - mama). Go on a scavenger hunt with your child in your home (stories, newsprint, clothing) or outside (cars, stores, billboards) to find the letter/sound you are working on.
- Crumble paper into balls.
- Pinching objects between fingers (i.e. picking up pennies with one hand and placing into palm).
- Doing puzzles.
- Using a spray bottle to water plants.
- Turning cards over.
- Making pictures using peel and stick stickers.