Fine motor skills involve the
control of muscles in the hands, fingers, feet and toes. Also the muscles of
the tongue and lips that help children speak and sing. Improving
fine motor skills will lead to self-care.
•tying
shoes
•zipping
and unzipping
•buckling
and unbuckling
•playing
games that require precise hand and finger control
•pinching
objects between fingers
•using
locks and keys
•manipulating
buttons and snaps
•putting
small objects together
•doing
puzzles
Small finger muscles can be
challenged with nesting toys, puzzles
Smaller blocks to stack and arrange
Arranging and gluing beads, pasta, cereal and string
Encourage children to turn the
pages of books and to point to things on pages.
Dexterity means having the ability
to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands
to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Discussion: Can you think of some occupations
that require precise manual dexterity?
•Musical Instrument Builders Repairers and
Tuners
•Structural Iron and Steel Workers
•Upholders
•Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
•Surgeons
•Dentists
•Pilots
•Nurses
•Hairdressers, barbers
•Make-up Artists
•Excavating and Loading Machine and
Dragline Operators
•Automotive Mechanics and Service
Technicians
•Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine
Setters
•Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
•Sewers
•Craft Artists
•Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling
Experts, and Blasters
•Aircraft Mechanics and Services
Technicians
•Plastics Molder
•Landscaping, horticulturist
•Drywall Installer
•Culinary Arts, Baker, Chef
•Glass Cutter
•Sign Maker
•Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
•Wood Patternmakers
•Machinist
•Medical Lab Techs
•Electricians
•Jewelers
•Brick masons and Block masons
