Using the small muscles in the hands and wrists to make precise movements. This is the foundation for almost all school tasks, like drawing, writing, and using tools.
This catch-a-bug activity provides the child with a fun chance to address fine motor skills.
Preparation:
Step 1: Lace yarn through a basket.
Step 2: Place toy bugs (i.e. figurines, erasers, etc.) on yarn.
Step 3: Have the child manipulate the tongs to retrieve the bugs.
For this activity, you can use any type of basket/container.
This sensory bin activity provides the child with a fun chance to build trust with messy textures through play.
Step 1: Pour sensory bin fillers (cornmeal was used in this photo but you can also use sand, beans, and rice).
Step 2: Hide gems/coins in the sand.
Step 3: Provide tongs for your child to use to retrieve the treasure & place in a separate bowl/treasure box. For an increased challenge, have the child close their eyes and search for the treasure with their hands.
Step 1: Cut out a picture of a unicorn.
Step 2: Glue it on a paper plate.
Step 3: Hole punch around the edges of the plate.
Step 4: Lace string through each hole, and tie a knot to secure it in place.
Step 5: Option to curl the strings, add jewels, or color the unicorn for more fine motor opportunities.
Step 6: Watch the strands fly in the air as you spin & wave it around! Enjoy!
Step 1: Lay out an old shirt flat on the table. Optional: Draw shapes on the shirt with non-toxic markers to address pre-writing skills.
Step 2: Take fabric scissors and begin to cut strips to your desired length. Maintain approximately 2-inches of width.
Step 3: Take one of those strips & use it to tie a group of 3 strips together. Make sure to leave approximately 2-inches from the end.
Step 4: Braid the 3 strips.
Step 5: Take another strip & use it to tie the braid together at the bottom.
As always, please provide assistance and supervision as needed.
Share your creation with your lovable dog & enjoy!
Buttoning is a fun fine motor skill to work on! It is more motivating when it involves our children’s favorite characters; in this case, Noodle & Pals from Super Simple Songs on YouTube!
Here, we created peek-a-boo buttoning boards that progressed from easy to more challenging buttoning skills.
Step 1: Cut up a piece of cardboard of your desired size (Our cardboard is the blue & white checkered print in the photo).
Step 2: Cut felt to your desired size. Ensure there will be enough overlap between the felt pages when you close the buttoning board.
Step 3: Glue the edge of the felt to the edges of the backside of the cardboard.
Step 4: Glue/sew the buttons on one side of one of the felt pages.
Step 5: Cut out slits to match the sizes of your buttons on the other felt page.
Step 6: Optional – take a marker & outline the edges of the button openings (the slits you just cut), so it makes it easier to visually identify the location of the buttonhole opening.
Step 7: Print, cut & glue on your child’s favorite character at the top of the cardboard sheet.
As always, ensure safety in all activities. Provide assistance and supervision as needed.
Enjoy!
