We are working on developing fine motor skills a lot around here lately. Four year-old New Kid was recently diagnosed with some fine motor delays. Even though he now receives occupational therapy services at school we are supplementing with a range of fine motor skill activities at home to strengthen those important finger muscles!
Fine Motor Skills Activity for Preschoolers
One of our activities is scribbling in a journal. While New Kid cannot yet write letters he will scribble. He likes the sense of ownership over his "writing" that keeping a journal gives him and that motivates him to keep practicing. Scribbling is also very important for developing pre-writing and pre-reading skills.
Using different types of writing implements and materials increases the variety of sensory experiences, so I like to mix things up during our journaling sessions. I include:
- Stubby crayons with the paper removed. Using a short crayon requires a stronger pincer grasp than using a long one.
- Colored pencils. They require more pressure than markers.
- Markers. Ink provides a satisfying saturated color, but mix up the size: include both fat and skinny pens.
- Oil and chalk pastels with paper removed. Pastels' textures offer a new sensory experience.
- Stickers. Peeling stickers off the backing takes work and feeling the sticky side adds in a bit of sensory fun.
- Writing tools with triangular barrels. The unusual shape encourages children to use the correct pincer grasp.
Do you encourage your preschooler to write in a journal? Does he or she have a favorite type of crayon or marker? Want a fun journal to inspire your child? We have a book list of creative journals.
My Kid Hates Art: Tape Project (works fine motor!)