Studies show that children who are engaging in play are far more likely to learn the skills they need than any other way. By carefully planning activities for any young child in your care you can help them develop needed motor skills. Motor skill development in early childhood has been linked to success both academically and physically during later years. By having activities that help promote motor skills you are helping prepare young children for the school years ahead. If you are a parent, teacher or other caregiver here are activities to help children develop motor skills.
· Coloring-This is perhaps the number one way to help children develop motor skills. The early practice they get with coloring can translate into better writing, cutting and even reading skills later on. While coloring books and crayons always work, give the young children in your care a chance to branch out and use markers, colored pencils and even glitter glue when they color. Try putting paper in different places (tape a large piece on a wall or door, put some on an easel etc.) or have them take the art outside. Coloring on the sidewalk or setting up an art station outside can often persuade hesitant would-be artists to give coloring a try.
· Painting-For a different take on coloring it may be time to break out the paints. Children love the unlimited possibilities that paint provides. Encourage color mixing by educating kids about the color wheel. You can use watercolors, tempera paints or even finger-painting. Just be sure to have a variety of different size brushes from small to large for your young artists to try to paint with. For some really fine work give them Q-tips or other small tools to work the paint with. You can add glitter, Karo Syrup or even sand to add texture to the paint and give the kids a sensory experience as well.
· Play dough. Children will get some great fine motor skill exercise out of play dough especially if you add some extra equipment such as rollers and cookie cutters and even childproof scissors. Have the kids really work the play dough into different shapes and even letters. Keep in mind that play dough can be painted on, cut and even dried into beads for threading for some added fun and learning.
· Cutting-This activity is super simple; you just bring out the scissors and some old magazines and let them get to work. Cutting really requires a lot of coordination. For younger children who are just getting used to manipulating scissors, you can buy them scissors with safety edges. These scissors are sharp enough to cut through paper but not much else. For an added incentive have your kids look for theme pictures (animals, sports etc.) to cut out and make collage pictures.
· Threading-This is another simple activity for your kids to try. Just buy some beads to thread or use some colored pasta and string them. This activity requires a lot of control and a steady hand. Threading is perfect practice for fine motor development. In order to avoid frustration start out with larger beads that are easy to thread and progress to smaller ones as your child grows more proficient with threading.
· Blocks-Like with threading it is best to start out with larger blocks and move your way towards the smaller variety. The smaller the blocks, the more control your child will need to develop. It is important not to introduce blocks that are small too quickly; they will only get frustrated and give up. Today's blocks come in a variety of styles and materials. From traditional wooden blocks to lightweight and easy to handle foam blocks. Having a few different sets on hand can help your child learn about weights, textures and building strategy while still developing their motor skills.
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