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Toys to Improve your Child’s Fine Motor Skills

Developing fine motor skills can be a frustrating challenge for children. Little fingers try to button or zip, and sometimes just aren’t ready for that kind of intricate work. Some toys can promote the development of fine motor skills, enabling your child to soon say, “I did it!”

Craft Supplies

One of the best ways to introduce fine motor skill development is with child safety scissors. At first, let your little one just cut paper randomly. Then, introduce large shapes. Cut large circles or squares, or hearts. Gradually make shapes more intricate and smaller for greater coordination. Take your time introducing scissors – many children aren’t ready for the challenge until Kindergarten.

Pencils and crayons also instill fine motor skills. Again, start with blank paper and let your child simply scribble. Introduce large pictures or patterns as he progresses, then move on to more detailed crayon work.

Paint-by-number sets are also a good way to get kids used to controlling little finger muscles.

Clay or play-dough can be molded, rolled and shaped by little fingers. Watch your child use his imagination to form snakes, bears and cars and work his fingers at the same time!

Lacing cards and toys

Wooden bead sets can be strung together, encouraging small motor skills. Threading large pieces of yarn through beads can be harder than it looks! You can also purchase lacing cards, for the same effect.

Stacking Toys

Wooden blocks or puzzles are also fabulous toys for increasing fine motor skills. Balancing a block tower requires patience, coordination and skill. The smaller the blocks, the greater the skill! The same applies to puzzles. Start with large wooden puzzles, then progress to smaller and smaller pieces. Fitting little pieces together strengthens those tiny muscles and makes little fingers steadier.

Musical Instruments

Children’s flutes or recorders are great for working those little fingers. Castanets are fun, too. Toy or real pianos also help form those brain-to-finger connections. Make a whole orchestra, using large and small motor skills. Drums will enhance those larger muscles, flute or triangle enhances small muscles.

Nesting Cubes/Stacking Rings

For smaller children and toddlers, nesting cubes or ring stackers are great for promoting fine motor skills. Shape sorters also require concentration and a steady hand. The more your toddler practices, the better her skill!

Dolls

There are dolls on the market that teach tying, zipping and buttoning. Practice with your child and the doll, then try it with real clothes and shoes.

Finger puppets

What could be better at enhancing finger coordination than finger puppets? Stage puppet shows and wiggle those fingers as much as possible. Make your show an action flick.

Remember, while developing fine motor skills, small children often get frustrated. It can be hard to make little fingers move in ways they just aren’t ready for yet. Keep an array of wonderful developmental toys available, and your child will increase her small motor skills without even knowing it – while she plays.

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