Activities to Enhance Fine Motor Skills in Kids

Every child’s development looks different, and every child has a variety of important needs. When struggling or falling behind in a way that negatively impacts their everyday life, a little bit of extra support can go a long way. Read on for tips on how to enhance fine motor skills in kids!

What Are Fine Motor Skills?

Fine motor skills are the detailed movements of our hands and fingers that allows us to complete complex, everyday tasks. They allow us to do all sorts of important things like write things down, eat with utensils, fold our clothes, and so much more. Motor control requires proper usage of muscle strength, precision, awareness, sensation, and coordination (Cleveland Clinic). 

Helpful Activities

Clearly, fine motor skills are of critical importance! There are luckily many great ways to enhance them in kids. Depending on the age of your child, helpful activities can include playing with stickers, sorting coins, playing with LEGOs, or learning origami. More ideas include:

• Stacking blocks or cups

• Crumpling paper or turning book pages

• Putting beads on a string (like making bracelets!)

• Making clay sculptures

• Cutting out designs

• Buttoning shirts

• Finger painting

• Using tweezers to sort small objects

• Tying shoes

• Playing with chalk

-and so much more (Cleveland Clinic and NAPA Center)! You probably noticed that a lot of these activities center around play. Get creative! There are likely a lot of fun activities that will help your child develop their fine motor skills all around your house! 

Getting Support

Many journeys are meant to be taken alone. If you or your child feel overwhelmed, you’d likely both benefit from a little extra support from a compassionate professional who is trained to help kids!

At Compass Community Health, our team of Pediatric Occupational Therapists are ready to partner with you in advocating for your child’s wellbeing. Through interactive play and a tailored care plan, Pediatric Occupational Therapy serves to increase your child’s skills and independence while having fun.

Compass is here to support you and YOUR child, no matter what the journey looks like!  Don’t wait– reach out today by calling (740) 355-7102.

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