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Part two: Tips for developing your students' fine motor skills

Writing Time 12/5/16

Handwriting is a complex task that relies on both gross and fine motor skills. In part one we discussed ways to develop your students’ gross motor skills by developing muscle strength in the back, shoulders and arms. Now let’s explore ways to develop fine motor skills. 

Children must maintain appropriate pressure and manipulate a pencil precisely in order to write correctly. Fine motor activities help develop the necessary strength and dexterity in the lower arms, wrists, hands and fingers.

Try incorporating these enjoyable fine motor activities into your weekly program:

• Make a chain link with thumb and index fingertips, then try to pull apart.
• Squeeze the trigger on spray bottles to squirt water on plants in the playground.
• Pop bubble wrap between thumb and index finger.
• Knead, squeeze, pinch and mould playdough.
• Play dress-ups using clothes and shoes that have studs, buttons, velcro, laces and zips.
• Build with Lego and dismantle objects one block at a time.
• Manipulate paper for craft activities by tearing, crumpling, twisting or weaving.
• Pick up objects with tongs and tweezers.
• Thread beads on string or spaghetti.
• Draw and trace with a variety of writing implements, such as pencils, thick markers, chalk, crayons or pastels. Remember, Writing Time Student Books provide plenty of practice in tracking, tracing and drawing with letters and artwork.

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