Having children practice their fine motor skills will allow them to use everyday objects, be able to work on their morning routines and help them on their way through school. We’ve looked to the guidance of this independent school in Amersham to show ways you can teach your child to repeatedly use their hands.
Reading and writing
Holding story books and turning a page will show children how to hold books upright so that they have a clear line of sight as they read. Writing on paper will test your child’s skills in holding the pen and writing clear words in a notebook. They’ll improve their handwriting style and coordination when holding a pen if they get continuous practice with their writing.
Jigsaw puzzles
Kids holding puzzle pieces and placing them in the right location in the jigsaw will get them to hold different shapes of different sizes. They’re also having the chance to hold onto things much smaller and be able to achieve a goal once they’ve finished the puzzle, by thinking about exactly where each piece has to go.
Playing with chalk
Chalk drawings on black boards or chalk that can be used on the concrete gives children the chance to make shapes and drawings on a larger scale. Children will use their arms and hands to make big shapes on the concrete, or on a smaller scale when using a board, giving themselves time to practice their hand-eye coordination.
Weaving
Children use knitting wool to wrap around a piece of cardboard in different shapes. Cut out a piece of cardboard into the shape of a heart and let them make a wreath or decoration that you can put out on display in the house. Children are practicing how to use their hands to wrap things around objects by using their hands in a repeated motion.
