Fine Motor at Home

Play that builds little hands

Fine Motor at Home gathers 40 OTPlan activities that build the hand skills children use every day: picking up small bits of food, managing buttons and zippers, and holding a crayon. Every activity uses everyday things like bottle caps, playdough, foil and clothespins.

There’s no wrong way to play. Let your child choose, adjust as you go, and stop while it’s still fun. Most activities take 5 to 15 minutes.

What’s inside

• 40 activities for ages 3 to 5, grouped by the main hand skill each one builds: pincer grasp (11), finger strength (8), grasp (4), finger isolation (6), in-hand manipulation (3) and fine motor control (8)
• A photo and step-by-step directions for every activity
• An easier and a harder version on every activity page
• A “Before you start” guide and a checklist of the materials you’ll use most
• An 8-week play tracker, a “Notes for your child’s therapist” page and a notes page

How each activity page works

• Time and place: how long it takes, setup time, and where to play
• Skills it builds: the hand skills the activity works on
• You’ll need: everyday materials to gather first
• How to play: step-by-step directions
• Easier and harder: ways to adjust to your child
• What to notice: things to watch for and share with your child’s therapist

Each page also has a safety tip, a note on how the skill shows up in everyday life, and a “We played” row to check off the days you play.

See inside

Download sample pages (PDF): the cover, the table of contents, the “Before you start” guide, three activity pages, the play tracker and the therapist notes page.

Book details

• 48 pages, US Letter size (8.5 x 11 in)
• Coil-bound, so it lies flat while you play
• Printed in full color
• Free shipping. Each book is printed after you place your order, so allow about 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.

Paying with an Arizona ESA?

Request an invoice to upload in ClassWallet on our Pay with your Arizona ESA page. We print and ship your book as soon as the ESA program approves the payment.

Play safely

Many activities use small items like beads, buttons, beans and pom-poms, which can be choking hazards. Stay close while your child plays, and keep small items away from babies and younger siblings. A few setups use scissors or a sharp pencil; those steps are for a grown-up.

Also from OTPlan at Home

My Routines: picture steps for mornings, getting dressed, heading out, bath time and bedtime.

These activities are for home practice and don’t replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.