Fine Motor Skills

We have two ways in which we learn things in life. One is through direct learning in which we discover things for ourselves; the other is indirect learning in which we get information from outside ourselves (through television, computers, other people etc.). When developing fine motor skills, we learn best directly. The term 'hands-on learning' is particularly appropriate because this is how we play-with our hands on the toys. Fine motor skills provides ideas for hands-on learning activities in order to develop fine motor skills with which pupils can learn about life by discovering things for themselves. Through the use of quick activity descriptions and reproducible pages, teachers will find fun and useful ways to help children learn, practise and refine their fine motor skills. The first two sections in this book, 'Shoulder and wrist activities' and 'Wrist and hand activities,' are sections you may not expect to find in a book about fine motor skills. However, upon further examination, you will discover that strength and stability of the shoulder and wrist directly relate to control of the hand and fingers.These first two sections provide ideas for helping children gain strength in their shoulders, wrists and hands. The 'Hand and finger activities' section is the largest section. It contains ideas for developing what we usually think of as 'fine motor control'. Although the whole section is devoted to activities which help pupils develop stability and strength in all their fingers, the emphasis is on activities using the thumb and index finger. We want each pupil to develop motor control, both fine and gross, as part of the development of a healthy, active child; however, control and coordination of the index finger and thumb are crucial for success in writing. Finger plays are provided for children to learn poems and songs and their corresponding finger and hand motions. A variety of activities which help children develop control and coordination of their fingers, including activities with washers and pegs, are also in this section. Additionally, a large portion of this section is devoted to activities related to using glue, controlling scissors and writing practice.