Ways to Support Fine Motor Development
Why is fine motor development important? From the youngest age, your child is exploring and finding ways to use their hands. Building upon hand strength is indirect preparation for writing, and it is important to begin early. Your child’s hand muscles will eventually cut, sew, draw in detail, cook, and the right activities will support those skills. If they are already doing many of those things, their hand strength and skill will continue to refine as they grow.
For toddlers
small pegs into a spice jar (you can cut the ends of a toothpick so it’s not sharp) image @thekavanaughreport
DIY button snake or purchase from Etsy
lacing beads
work transferring objects with large tweezers
For 3 +
Making necklaces with beads on string or pipecleaner
Puzzles with knobs
Any citrus juicing! Juicing oranges or lemons will strengthen the hand muscles
Play doh or puddy is also a form of explorative play that will support the hand
Offering your child large shaped beeswax crayons will force the pincer grip in a way a think normal pencil may not do at first. Odd shaped crayons also recommended!