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Tips on developing fine motor skills:
First and foremost, it is important to develop fine motor coordination at a young age. With supervision, appropriate materials should be introduced at toddler age. There are chunky crayons, primer pencils, washable finger paints, and markers available, as well as play dough, Magna Doodles, and child safety scissors. All of these products are highly recommended for your child's enjoyment and development.
• When introducing pencils and crayons be sure your child has the correct grip. Once the grip is established it is difficult to change.
• By age 3 your child should establish which hand is more comfortable and stick with it. Once they have chosen, it is very important that you continually reinforce the use of this hand. This will help to build strength for fine motor activity.
• Set aside some time to spend with your child using these kinds of materials. Always make it enjoyable and limit the amount of time appropriate for your child's attention span.
• Location and proper lighting should be taken into consideration as well as the time of day conducive to your child's schedule.
• Play dough is a terrific activity for fine motor strengthening. I have included a play dough recipe for you to make it at home with your child. Have Fun!
Cooked Play Dough Recipe
1 cup flour
½ cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of food coloring
Combine all ingredients in a 2 qt. saucepan continually stirring over medium heat until it forms a ball. Turn onto a plate and let cool. Knead and store in an airtight container.
First and foremost, it is important to develop fine motor coordination at a young age. With supervision, appropriate materials should be introduced at toddler age. There are chunky crayons, primer pencils, washable finger paints, and markers available, as well as play dough, Magna Doodles, and child safety scissors. All of these products are highly recommended for your child's enjoyment and development.
• When introducing pencils and crayons be sure your child has the correct grip. Once the grip is established it is difficult to change.
• By age 3 your child should establish which hand is more comfortable and stick with it. Once they have chosen, it is very important that you continually reinforce the use of this hand. This will help to build strength for fine motor activity.
• Set aside some time to spend with your child using these kinds of materials. Always make it enjoyable and limit the amount of time appropriate for your child's attention span.
• Location and proper lighting should be taken into consideration as well as the time of day conducive to your child's schedule.
• Play dough is a terrific activity for fine motor strengthening. I have included a play dough recipe for you to make it at home with your child. Have Fun!
Cooked Play Dough Recipe
1 cup flour
½ cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of food coloring
Combine all ingredients in a 2 qt. saucepan continually stirring over medium heat until it forms a ball. Turn onto a plate and let cool. Knead and store in an airtight container.