In our last Spotlight post, we focused on emergent writing. This week, we’d like to take a step back and look at the importance of practicing fine motor skills, which refers to any small movements of the hand. We know that before we can even think of helping young children learn to write, we must provide them with a multitude of opportunities to strengthen the muscles in their hands. Developing fine motor skills is an important part of kindergarten readiness, because as preschool children practice their hand strength and coordination, they begin to develop a greater sense of independence. It is our hope that throughout their time in the Robins class, the kiddos will develop their fine motor skills in a way that will allow them to gain a sense of confidence as they learn to do more things by themselves, like writing their own name, putting on their shoes, buttoning their coat, or pouring their own milk.
Here are just a few examples of how we foster the development of fine motor skills in the Robins class at KIDSPACE Child Enrichment Center in Vancouver, Washington:
The Robins regularly work on projects that involve drawing, tracing, and cutting.
Last week we filled our sensory tub with ribbon, yarn, crepe paper, straws, and nets to allow the Robins to experiment with cutting all different types of materials.
Anytime we use small hand movements to complete a task, we are practicing our fine motor skills. Using tweezers to count and sort gives our hand muscles and our brains a workout.
Playdough, flubber, and floam are always a big hit in our class. These materials are excellent for strengthening hand muscles, while giving the children a chance to be creative and engage in sociodramatic play.
As part of our science curriculum, the Robins have been planting pumpkin seeds. This task was a great way for Robins to practice fine motor as they scooped soil and used both squeeze and squirt bottles to water their plants.
Beading fall ornaments really tested our motor control and coordination.
This year the Robins are trying something new by eating family style at mealtimes. This allows the children to develop fine motor skills and emerging independence as they scoop, pour, and serve themselves.
If you’re looking for new ways to practice fine motor at home, the NAEYC has some great suggestions at the link below…
Thanks for reading,
Miss Crystal & Miss Julie
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