Fine Motor Activity Fun Roundup

Fine Motor Activity Fun for KidsDeveloping strong fine motor skills allows children to write, draw, cut, sculpt, tie their shoes, zip, snap or button their coats, and control their fork, knife, spoon, or chopsticks (preferably without decorating the walls with spaghetti).

 

 

Coordinating the small muscles in their hands and fingers lets kids communicate through sign language, dance the hula, or successfully drop a coin into their favorite gumball machine.

 

 

Ever try to zip up your coat when your hands are freezing cold?  Super frustrating, right?  Imagine trying to learn how to write your ABC’s if you don’t have sufficient fine motor strength to control your pencil.  No wonder some children protest written homework so much.

 

 

A child’s foundation for fine motor skills develops within the first 6 years.  Keeping these critical muscles strong is still important at any age.

 

 

While today’s Fine Motor Activity Fun Roundup lists activities primarily for the pre K group I’ve also added a few options for older children.  Plus, games like Legos, puzzles, Tangrams, Mancala, and the classic Operation are just a few standbys for sneaking in some good fine motor fun.  For those of us who remember the original Lite Bright I’m happy to report that yes, it’s still around, too.

 

 

15 Fine Motor Activities for Kids

Clever and simple ideas

from Allison of No Time for Flashcards

 

Fine Motor Skills

Ideas for the pre K classroom

from Karen of Prekinders

 

30 Materials & Activities for Promoting Fine Motor Skills

Creative ideas with everyday materials

from Jamie of Hands On As We Grow

 

More Buttons Buttons Buttons

Button bracelets incorporated into story time

from Deborah of Teach Preschool

 

50 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Older Children

Crafts, games, puzzles and more

from Jeremy of Make Learning Fun

 

Fine Motor Skills Activities for Older Kids

Ton of great articles including Why some fine motor activities are better than others.

from Tracey of OT Mom Learning Activities

 

Big thanks to the authors of all of these posts!

 

Still want more?  Keep going with this Sensory Play Roundup.