So how do you make fine motor exercises fun? And what exactly is fine motor? Fine motor Skills are tasks that utilize the small muscles of the body. Children begin to develop fine motor skills from infancy and continue throughout childhood. Fine Motor Skills are extremely important in handwriting. Handwriting, or penmanship is not the most exciting subject that I teach or that your child learns! It is tedious, and can cause pain in the hand or wrist for children who have not mastered the fine motor skills needed for proper penmanship.
There are some fun ways to develop these skills and build the small muscles. Spread some shaving cream on a mirror or a table. Have your child draw letters and numbers, write their name and spelling words or sight words. Check for correct formation, rub it out and start again. This is very tactile and tons of fun! I remember the first time I did this with my daughter in 1st grade. She thought I had lost my mind!
Finger Painting is another great exercise to develop fine motor skills. To finger paint and not make a mess, pour some paint into a gallon zip lock bag. Seal the bag and let your child "paint" on the bag. Same effect for the fine motor muscles. You just won't be able to hang up the painting!
Play Dough or Clay is wonderful for fine motor development. Have your child form letters, numbers, write words, etc. Even just the manipulation of the dough is good for the small muscles.
Lego Building. Light Bright. Battleship and other games with small pieces or pegs will develop fine motor muscles.
Most importantly, let your child explore freely and do things for him/herself. Don't write their name on their papers for them, let them do that. Let them help you make their sandwich and spread the peanut butter and jelly. Have them try to unlock the front door from time to time. Teach them how to tie their shoes and let them do it over and over and over again once they learn. Get some lacing cards and show them how to lace up and down. Have them help you cook, mix, pour, etc. There are so many time in a day where we use our small muscles. Invite your child to be a part of this. First grade is a huge year for fine motor development. Help them have fun with it!
There are some fun ways to develop these skills and build the small muscles. Spread some shaving cream on a mirror or a table. Have your child draw letters and numbers, write their name and spelling words or sight words. Check for correct formation, rub it out and start again. This is very tactile and tons of fun! I remember the first time I did this with my daughter in 1st grade. She thought I had lost my mind!
Finger Painting is another great exercise to develop fine motor skills. To finger paint and not make a mess, pour some paint into a gallon zip lock bag. Seal the bag and let your child "paint" on the bag. Same effect for the fine motor muscles. You just won't be able to hang up the painting!
Play Dough or Clay is wonderful for fine motor development. Have your child form letters, numbers, write words, etc. Even just the manipulation of the dough is good for the small muscles.
Lego Building. Light Bright. Battleship and other games with small pieces or pegs will develop fine motor muscles.
Most importantly, let your child explore freely and do things for him/herself. Don't write their name on their papers for them, let them do that. Let them help you make their sandwich and spread the peanut butter and jelly. Have them try to unlock the front door from time to time. Teach them how to tie their shoes and let them do it over and over and over again once they learn. Get some lacing cards and show them how to lace up and down. Have them help you cook, mix, pour, etc. There are so many time in a day where we use our small muscles. Invite your child to be a part of this. First grade is a huge year for fine motor development. Help them have fun with it!