Fine Motor Skill Development

Grasping, manipulating, and hand-eye coordination are examples of fine motor skills. Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the hand and arm which are necessary for performing many life tasks such as writing, holding small objects, and fastening clothing. Due to the fact that many fine motor tasks such as printing, coloring, and cutting are not emphasized until a child is of preschool age, fine motor skill development is often overlooked when the child is an infant or toddler.

Strength, fine motor control, and dexterity all affect a child’s fine motor skill development. Weaknesses in fine motor skills can affect a child’s ability to eat, grasp and control a writing instrument, write legibly, use a computer, turn pages in a book, and perform personal care tasks such as dressing and grooming.

Here is a basic guide of developmental milestones for fine motor control.

Here is a list of fine motor activities on the Early Education Enrichment Pinterest board.

Here is a list of more fine motor activities.