What are fine motor skills?

Our fine motor skills are the abilities required to make small, precise movements using the muscles in our fingers, hands and wrists. Fine motor skills typically develop as children grow but are important for people of all ages.

                                       Pencil Pic

Examples of fine motor skills include:

Writing – Holding and manipulating a pencil or pen to form letters.

Cutting with Scissors – Using scissors to cut shapes and lines.

Buttoning Clothes – Fastening buttons or zippers.

Picking up small objects – Using a “Pincer” grip (thumb and index finger) to pick up small items like beads or coins.

Tying shoelaces – Manipulating laces into knots or bows.

Typing on a keyboard – Using fingers to press keys.

Drawing and Colouring – Using pencils, crayons, or brushes to create detailed images.

                                       Buttons

Why are these important?

Independence: Fine motor skills allow children to perform self-care tasks like dressing and feeding themselves.

Academic Development: School is a big part of a childs life and motor skills help children in tasks like writing, drawing or using scissors.

Cognitive Growth: Fine motor activities often require problem-solving and planning which help children’s brains to develop.

                            Scissors

Activity Ideas to Explore

 

        Fine Motor

         Warm Up  

 

         

           Tripod Grasp            

               

               Lacing           

 

              Scissors

 

   

            Pipecleaner

              Threading

            

           Pincer Grip

 

      Hand Strenghtening

 

            

              Threading

         

         Posting Coins