Fine motor skills

Children’s Occupational Therapy

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Little hands need to develop dexterity and strength. We, as parents or caregivers, can help this process by

encouraging children to play, explore and interact with a variety of items. Toys, clothing fasteners, safe

scissors and play dough are all examples of activities that help to develop fine motor development. Even

doing age appropriate tasks in the kitchen are great ways to help build fine motor skills. These types of

“play” activities and manipulation skills will actually help prepare a child to hold and use a crayon. The

ability to do so is the first step in learning to colour, draw and ultimately write. Make time to play with your

child!

Here are some games and activities to try with your child that will help fine motor development. Try and

choose games that are suitable for the age of your child:

Perfect for anyone above age 3

Messy play without the mess

Slime – shop bought or have fun

making your own. See YouTube

for recipes and ideas

Bunchems are great fun (keep away from

your hair). Similar craft toys for older kids

include aquabeads, hama beads and qixels

Fine motor skills

Children’s Occupational Therapy

Other games you can play with your child and family include

Honey Bee Tree

Take time to play and

have fun with your

child everyday

Fine motor skills

Children’s Occupational Therapy

Construction Toys are a great way to develop your child’s imagination, planning and fine

motor skills.

Less Challenging More Challenging

Fine motor skills

Children’s Occupational Therapy

Using household items or decorating cakes is another way to develop those creative ideas,

planning and fine motor skill. Check out pinterest for extra ideas.

Decorating biscuits, hedgehog cakes and

Cup cakes

OR you could make Paper Mache cup

cakes Google how to make paper

mache for the recipe

Junk Modelling is a fun cost effective option for all ages and abilities

Fine motor skills

Children’s Occupational Therapy

Weaving

Making Jewellery

Origami

You can buy kits or search the

internet for ideas and instructions

on how to make your favourite

models