Fine Motor Skills for Preschoolers
Let’s focus on fine motor skills in this post. Fine motor skills for preschoolers are so much more than just play. It is a great repetitive practice for pre-writing skills, for developing finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination, and even for the ability to operate everyday tasks (now and for the rest of their lives).
Looking for more activities like these? Check out my awesome list of fun preschool activities.
As you can see, having nice handwriting isn’t the only reason to practice fine motor skills regularly and in a variety of ways. Here, you will get many ideas on how to help your preschooler practice fine motor skills in a fun way.
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What are the big 6 fine motor skills?
The big 6 fine motor skills consist of a set of essential skills that are crucial for the intricate movements and tasks we perform daily. These skills are not only fundamental in the development of young minds but also play a significant role throughout one’s life. The big 6 fine motor skills include:
Pincer Grip
The pincer grip involves using the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects. Like a crab pinching, this skill is essential for tasks such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or tying shoelaces.
Wrist Stability
Supporting the wrist in a stable position is crucial for effective hand use. This stability enables us to write, cut with scissors, and perform tasks that require precision.
Hand-Eye Coordination
This magical skill allows us to coordinate the movements of our hands with what our eyes see. It’s what makes us catch a ball, thread a needle, or draw a straight line.
Bilateral Coordination
This involves using both sides of the body together in a coordinated way. Think of cutting with scissors while holding the paper steady, or typing on a keyboard where both hands work seamlessly together.
Fine Motor Planning
This skill allows us to plan and execute a sequence of fine motor actions. It’s like the brain’s strategy for doing tasks that require the small muscles in our hands and fingers.
Finger Isolation
The ability to move each finger independently is what we call finger isolation. This skill is crucial for tasks like playing a musical instrument, typing, or even using sign language.
Understanding and developing these six fine motor skills can open up a world of exploration, creativity, and independence for children. By weaving activities that hone these skills into everyday learning, we set the foundation for successful, precise movements that help in navigating the world around us.
Isn’t it amazing how mastering the small movements in our fingers and hands can lead to big discoveries and achievements? Keep crafting, exploring, and marveling at the wonders of our human body!
Recommended Books for Preschoolers
For little learners eager to explore the world around them, these fun books for preschoolers are perfect!
Hands Are Not for Hitting (Best Behavior® Paperback Series)Kindness is my Superpower: A children’s Book About Empathy, Kindness and Compassion (My Superpower Books 1)Strictly No ElephantsClifford’s Good Deeds (Classic Storybook)In My Heart: A Book of Feelings (Growing Hearts)Preschool, Here I Come!
Recommended Toys for Preschoolers
Don’t miss out on these recommended preschool toys! Your little homeschoolers will surely have the best time playing with these educational toys at home.
Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Outer Space – Preschooleamve Montessori Toys Wooden Burger Sandwich Sorting & Stacking Toys for Toddlers and Kids PreschoolLearning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple – 30 Pieces, Ages 3+ Social Emotional Learning Toy For Boys and GirlsPanda Brothers Montessori Screwdriver Board Set – Wooden Montessori Toys for 3 4 5 Year Old KidsLCD Writing Tablet 12 Inch Toddler Doodle Board, Colorful Drawing Tablet, Erasable Electronic Painting Pads, Educational and Learning Kids Toy for 2 3 4 5 6 Year OldMontessori Wooden Beads Sequencing Toy Set, Stacking Blocks & Lacing Beads & Matching Shape Stacker, Montessori Toys for 2 3 4 5 Year Old
Fine Motor Skills for Preschoolers
My daughter has been practicing her fine motor skills for several years now. Above all activities, she loves “playing” with her giant wooden beads. She will sit on the rug, lacing for long stretches of time. She loves creating necklaces by shape, by color, and by numbers. But the most important part is that she is using her fingers to practice her fine motor skills. We also use beautiful giant number and pattern beads to lace the beads in order.
For those preschoolers who are more advanced and are following directions well, some pattern cards for the beads will be perfect for because they give them the exact order in which the beads go. I highly recommend having a set or two around for your preschooler to use regularly. keep in mind that the bead must be the giant kind, so they do not pose a choking hazard. Supervision is advised, no matter the bead size, of course.
Fun Preschool Activities To Try
Don’t stop here. Check out more amazing activities for your preschoolers like these:
- Preschool Tracing Activities
- Grocery Store Preschool Activities
- Rainy Day Activities for Preschoolers
- Montessori Sensorial Color Activities for Kids by The Natural Homeschool
- Frog Racing Graphing Game by Simple Fun For Kids
Beyond the Beads
However, beads are not the only way to practice fine motor skills for preschoolers. They can practice fine motor skills with clothespins, with the simplest craft, with Straws and even with Cheerios! Isn’t that great?! Get creative and let your kids have fun while mastering dexterity and coordination. It is so exciting to see them succeed, to love doing all of those fun activities, and to watch all of those sweet and accomplished smiles.
If you are still looking for some ideas, here are 100+ more fine motor skills ideas for toddlers. This is a very complete list. It is printable, so you can keep track of the activities you have done and mark the ones you want to do next. Take your pick! These are all so much fun! Your preschoolers will have a ball with them! And don’t forget to take a look at these awesome Free Preschool Printables. They will bring loads of educational fun to your little ones and save your wallet. 🙂