Fine Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills are small actions that have a big impact!

Whether you are finger feeding, using a spoon, opening packages, handwriting, buttoning shirts, using paintbrushes, or cutting shapes, these delicate movements shape our world. All of these skills are important for socialization, self-care, and academic performance.

Children who struggle with fine motor skills may also be struggling in different areas of brain development.

Proficient fine motor skills rely on the integration of visual and motor processes. Addressing visual perception and motor coordination improves a child's ability to accurately interpret visual information and execute corresponding motor actions.

Engaging in fine motor activities can have a CALMING EFFECT on children, promoting EMOTIONAL REGULATION and REDUCING STRESS and ANXIETY.

Fine motor activities stimulate cognitive processes such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and attention to detail.

We assess each child and work to build out a treatment plan that is best suited for them! There are so many different fun activities we like to do to help improve fine motor skills!

Fun activities to help with fine motor development:

• Puzzles

• Beads and String

• Pinching Stickers and Putting on Paper

• Sidewalk Chalk

• Pick up Sticks Game

• Cutting Paper on a Line

• What are fine and gross motor skills?

  Gross motor skills are skills involving large muscle movements, such as independent sitting, crawling, walking, or running. Fine motor skills involve the use of smaller muscles, such as grasping, object manipulation, or drawing.

• What is poor fine motor skills?

  Poor fine motor skills can include struggles with using their hands in tasks like using scissors or writing.

• How can occupational therapy help with fine motor skills?

  Occupational Therapists help bridge the gap between delayed fine motor skills and providing the child with exercises and confidence.