Fine Motor Skills & Fine Motor Activities For Children 

Fine motor skills refer to the movement and coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands, fingers, and wrists. These skills are important for tasks that require precise and delicate movements, such as picking up small objects, drawing, and using scissors. They also play a very important role in the development of handwriting and other academic skills.

Fine motor skills are when children begin to learn how to use their muscles in their hands, wrists, and fingers. Children use their fine motor skills most when they are cutting paper with scissors, doing up buttons on their clothes, playing with blocks, picking up items with their hands, eating and also writing or coloring.

There are two main types of fine motor skills, gross grasping skills and fine manipulative skills. Gross grasping skills involve large muscle groups and are used for tasks that require strength and stability, such as holding a pencil or using scissors. Fine manipulative skills, on the other hand, involve smaller muscle groups and are used for more delicate tasks, such as threading beads or tying shoelaces. 

There's so many fine motor activities for children to practice to develop fine motor skills. The more you have your child work on fine motor activities, the better their fine motor skills will become.

Fine motor skills are very important for academics, self care and play time too because children need to be able to cut, draw, color and write, cut paper, zippers, buttons, belts, tying shoes, brushing teeth, brushing hair, using cutlery and playing with toys like building blocks too.

There are many activities that can help children develop and improve their fine motor skills. These activities can be simple and fun, and can easily be incorporated into daily routines. Here are some examples of fine motor activities for children:

Finger painting – This activity allows children to explore different textures and practice their finger movements at the same time. 

Playdough – Playing with playdough helps children strengthen their hand muscles and develop hand-eye coordination.  

Threading and lacing – Threading beads or lacing cards are great activities for improving hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. 

Cutting and pasting – Using scissors and glue to create crafts not only helps develop fine motor skills, but also encourages creativity. 

Playing with building blocks or Legos – Manipulating small blocks and pieces helps children develop their fine motor skills and spatial awareness. 

Sorting and stacking – Sorting small objects into groups or stacking blocks helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Children with sensory challenges may struggle with fine motor skills, as well as other areas such as balance and coordination. As a result, it is important to choose toys that are suitable for their specific needs and can help them develop their fine motor skills.

Fidget toys – These toys provide sensory input and can help children with sensory differences  focus and regulate their emotions, which in turn can enhance their fine motor skills.

Tactile toys – Toys with different textures, such as textured balls or sensory bins filled with rice or sand, can help children with sensory processing disorder improve their hand movements and coordination.

Fine motor games – There are many games that can help children with sensory issues improve their fine motor skills, such as stacking games, shape sorters, and puzzles.

Weighted toys – These toys can provide deep pressure input and help children with sensory challenges improve their fine motor skills by increasing hand strength and control.

Hand and finger strengthening toys – Toys such as playdough, stress balls, and squeeze toys can help children with sensory processing disorder develop hand and finger strength, which is essential for fine motor skills.

Each child with sensory differences are unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. It is so important to observe your child and their sensory needs, and select toys and activities for their sensory diet. Your child's occupational therapist will be able to assist you with this. 

If a child has poor fine motor skills they can always practice fine motor activities to improve their skills. If a child does not practice with fine motor activities they may not be able to accomplish everyday life tasks and may become limited and unable to develop life skills needed for independence. 

Fine motor skills develop when your child is using these small muscles for pressing, holding, grasping or using their finger and thumb to hold something. (pincer grip)

If a child is unable to use their fine motor skills they can get frustrated, get angry, have low self esteem, academic struggles and independence life skills.  

Fine motor skills are important for a child’s development and growth. Engaging in fine motor activities, children can improve their fine motor skills and be better prepared for academic and daily tasks. Children with sensory processing disorder, choosing the right toys and activities can help them overcome their fine motor skill challenges.

If you are concerned that your child is having fine motor difficulties, please consult with a Pediatric Occupational Therapist or an Occupational Therapist that specializes in sensory processing disorder. 

DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional. 

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