A child’s fine motor development and skill progression can be hindered by a decrease in hand strength. This can impact writing, dressing and other self-care tasks, using utensils, and grasping or carrying objects throughout the day. Here are some easy to do and fun activities that will help develop fine motor strength for children.
- Play-dough- Roll out play-dough, squeeze between fingers, hide small objects inside to find, squish flat like a pancake or use cookie cutters to make shapes.
- Tennis ball monster- Cut a slit in a tennis ball draw or glue eyes and a nose then squeeze the ball to open his mouth to feed him (pennies, marbles, puff balls, any number of small objects).
- Bubble wrap- Help develop pinch for thumb and index finger by popping bubble wrap with fingers. If it is too difficult twist the bubble wrap a couple times to make it a little easier.
- Crafts- Hole punches, cutting different thicknesses of paper, squeezing glue bottles are all great activities to do with your little ones to develop hand strength.
- Stirring- Having kids help in the kitchen is a great way to bond and enjoy time with your kids. Stirring batter or mixes are great for developing hand strength and they may get a nice treat at the end for all their hard work.