Developing 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
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
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.