Gaining fine motor skills is one of the most important parts of a child's development. 

Researchers say many babies born during the pandemic have shown a delay in fine motor skills. That's why it's more important than ever to help your child gain confidence in this area during their early years.

But how do you encourage fine motor skills in kids? 

We have put together a list of some of the best fine motor activities to do with your kids. From colouring in pages of their favourite colouring sets, to using scissors, these ideas are sure to inspire you!

What Are Fine Motor Activities?

But first, what are fine motor activities? 

Unlike gross motor skills, which use large muscles, fine motor skills use small muscles in the body to help with functions like gripping items, writing and fastening clothes. 

Fine motor activities are activities that help develop fine motor skills by using those smaller muscles. With the right inspiration, these activities can be a lot of fun for your kids. They will acquire new skills through play-based learning.

Stacking

Babies can begin stacking blocks, cups or rings as early as 10 months old. At 6 months, you can begin building a tower out of these items and watching your infant knock them over.

Stacking is a great way to promote balance and dexterity. 

Colouring in and Painting

Let your child colour in their favourite colouring set or do some painting.

If you are looking for a mess-free option for toddlers, put the paint on paper and slip it inside a re-sealable storage bag. Let your little one move the paint around from the outside of the bag.

Art works the small muscles in the fingertips, wrists, and hands. Strengthening these muscles will help your child develop pen control when they are learning to write.

Cutting

Learning how to cut with scissors is challenging for little ones. But cutting promotes stability and control in the hand to help your child learn to write. 

Before your child begins cutting, make sure they have a great pair of safety scissors. 

Get creative with cutting activities. Let your child cut over lines you've traced onto paper, or create characters out of recycled toilet paper rolls and let them cut the cardboard at the top to make hair. You can also use scissors to cut slime or play dough.

Sensory Play

One of the best ways to promote fine motor skills is through sensory play. Sensory play also encourages your child to use their senses.

Fill a bin with a variety of items that are of different sizes, shapes and textures, and let your child reach for them. Encourage your child to build a rainbow or make worms and snakes out of play dough. Allow your child to string together edible jewellery using different textures of foods as beads.

These activities can help your child learn to fasten clothing or tie laces.

Benefits of Fine Motor Activities 

Finding fun fine motor activities to do with your kids can feel challenging. But it doesn't need to be complicated.

These simple activities can help your child develop their fine motor skills while having fun!

If you would like to hear more about activities to do with your kids, check out our blog.