Back to School Fine Motor Activities
Here are some back to school fine motor activities to help improve your child’s fine motor skills. Getting ready to go back to school is always an exciting time for both kids and parents.
Take a look at my list of Back to School Worksheets for Kids, too.
One of the best ways to get your child ready for the new school year is by improving their fine motor skills.
Homeschooling can be an advantage because there are plenty of fun and simple activities you can do at home to help your child get a head start.
The activities on my list are not just educational, but also engaging and enjoyable for kids. From lacing to playing with playdough, each activity is designed to strengthen those tiny hand muscles.
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What are Fine Motor Skills?
Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in our hands and fingers. These skills are crucial for everyday tasks like writing, cutting with scissors, and even tying shoelaces. Here are five fine motor skills that are important for children:
Grasping
This is the ability to hold objects, like pencils or toys, securely in the hand. It helps with writing and drawing.
Pinching
This skill involves using the thumb and one finger to pick up or hold small objects. It’s useful for tasks like buttoning clothes or picking up small beads.
Hand-Eye Coordination
This is the ability to use the eyes to guide the hands in performing a task. It’s important for activities like catching a ball or threading a needle.
Cutting
Using scissors to cut paper or other materials helps develop control and precision. Cutting can be practiced through fun craft activities.
Tying
Learning to tie shoelaces or bows is a very useful skill. This involves combining several fine motor skills to complete the task. Grab my shoe lacing printable to practice.
These activities not only improve fine motor skills but also make learning fun and interactive for your child!
Recommended Back to School Books
Here are some fun books to get your child excited about going back to school.
Our Class is a Family (The Classroom Community Collection)A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School (The Classroom Community Collection)First Day Jitters (The Jitters Series)EraserWe Don’t Eat Our Classmates: A Penelope Rex BookThe Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
Recommended Fine Motor Skills Activity Kits
Check out these activity kits that not only engage your child’s imagination but also encourage fine motor skill development.
SILK ROLL 8 in 1 Busy Board Montessori Toy for Toddlers 1-3 Years Old Boy & Girls Gifts,Educational Travel Toys Sensory Board for Learning Fine Motor Skills,Busy Book for Toddlers 1 2 3 4 5 Years OldRAINBOW TOYFROG Jumbo Nuts and Bolts Toddler Toys – 40 Busy Bolts with Storage Tote & Book – Toddler & Baby Occupational Therapy Toys – Develop Fine Motor Skills Through PlayPreschool Cutting and Pasting (Highlights Learn on the Go Practice Pads)Big Skills for Little Hands® Trace Shapes Workbook—Learning Shapes, Colors, Fine Motor Skills, Tracing Activity Book for Preschool–Kindergarten (32 pgs)Buckle Toys – Buster Square – Learning Activity Toy – Develop Fine Motor Skills and Problem Solving – Toddler Travel Essential – Educational Classroom Must HaveLearning Resources Noodle Knockout! Fine Motor Game,Fine Motor Skills Toys, 67 Pieces, Ages 4+
Recommended Fine Motor Skills Printables
The perfect activity for preschoolers to build their pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination is to use these printable lacing cards you can make yourself.
Lacing cards can be used with yarn or shoelaces, the act of lacing also mimics how a child would learn to sew. A wonderful life skill that every child should learn.
Preschool Tracing Worksheets Bundle
This adorable tracing worksheet bundle has a ton of tracing worksheets your kids will love. You’ll find something for every season.
Fun Back to School Printables You’ll Love
You’ll need more printables to help your kids get ready for the next school year so take a look at these fun printables.
- Back to School Word Search Printable
- Back to School Worksheets
- Back To School Guide and Planner
- Back to School Color by Number Printables by Crystal and Co.
- DIY Crayon Headband Craft by Simple Everyday Mom
Adding fine motor skill activities into your child’s daily routine can make a big difference as they prepare to head back to school.
By engaging in these fun and educational exercises, you’ll help them build the essential skills they need for academic success and everyday tasks.