![Picture](/uploads/8/6/8/6/86866368/pencil-grip-2_1_orig.jpg)
Fine Motor refers to the development of small muscles of the body (particularly the small muscles in hands and fingers) which will enable actions like grasping small objects, clicking, correct writing grasp etc. By developing young children’s fine motor skills, it will enable their finger and muscles to become stronger and provide them with the ability to control the way they hold a pencil or other writing implement. Young children’s progress with fine motor skills depends on the stimulation and encouragement they receive on a daily basis (Aussie Childcare Network, 2009–2016).
Some fine motor development milestones include: using a pair of scissors, cutting out on a line, copying simple shapes, writing simple letters of the alphabet, having a clear hand preference, manipulating small objects, drawing/painting a person with 2-4 body parts, feeding self with spoon, dressing and undressing self without assistance, beginning to learn to tie shoelaces, threading shoelaces through hole in a card, buttons, zipping and unzipping confidently, colouring in pictures, with control (staying in the line), uses cutlery correctly, holding crayon/pencil etc. between thumb and first two fingers, caring for own toileting needs, manipulating play dough/clay, using cookie cutters to make various shapes and designs, picking up objects using tweezers, threading beads/pasta on a string, sand manipulation/play, tracing shapes, designs, letters etc (Aussie Childcare Network, 2009–2016).
Children firstly start by grasping a crayon or texta with their whole fist. When holding a pencil children need to learn to use their thumb, pointer and middle finger (dynamic tripod grasp) to grip around the bottom of the pencil to gain better control of writing. This is considered the correct grasp to use when writing. To encourage your child further you can add rubber pencil grips to your child’s pencils in order to help them hold their pencil correctly, or gently remind and show your child the correct grasp, when it comes to writing (Aussie Childcare Network, 2009 - 2016).
The EYLF supports children to develop fine motor skills in Learning Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. The Educator’s Guide to the EYLF (COAG, 2010) states that educators promote this learning by:
The Australian Curriculum Technologies document discusses the importance of developing fine motor skills, “The hands-on, practical application of technologies skills in Design and Technologies develops manual dexterity, fine motor skills and coordination” (ACARA, 2012, p. 11).
Some fine motor development milestones include: using a pair of scissors, cutting out on a line, copying simple shapes, writing simple letters of the alphabet, having a clear hand preference, manipulating small objects, drawing/painting a person with 2-4 body parts, feeding self with spoon, dressing and undressing self without assistance, beginning to learn to tie shoelaces, threading shoelaces through hole in a card, buttons, zipping and unzipping confidently, colouring in pictures, with control (staying in the line), uses cutlery correctly, holding crayon/pencil etc. between thumb and first two fingers, caring for own toileting needs, manipulating play dough/clay, using cookie cutters to make various shapes and designs, picking up objects using tweezers, threading beads/pasta on a string, sand manipulation/play, tracing shapes, designs, letters etc (Aussie Childcare Network, 2009–2016).
Children firstly start by grasping a crayon or texta with their whole fist. When holding a pencil children need to learn to use their thumb, pointer and middle finger (dynamic tripod grasp) to grip around the bottom of the pencil to gain better control of writing. This is considered the correct grasp to use when writing. To encourage your child further you can add rubber pencil grips to your child’s pencils in order to help them hold their pencil correctly, or gently remind and show your child the correct grasp, when it comes to writing (Aussie Childcare Network, 2009 - 2016).
The EYLF supports children to develop fine motor skills in Learning Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. The Educator’s Guide to the EYLF (COAG, 2010) states that educators promote this learning by:
- providing a wide range of tools and materials to resource children’s fine motor skills.
- actively support children to learn hygiene practices.
The Australian Curriculum Technologies document discusses the importance of developing fine motor skills, “The hands-on, practical application of technologies skills in Design and Technologies develops manual dexterity, fine motor skills and coordination” (ACARA, 2012, p. 11).
The photos below relate to activities that I have implemented at my service to support and extend the children with their fine motor skills:
OTHER HELPFUL FILES:
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References:
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2012). The Shape of the Australian Curriculum. Technologies. Sydney, NSW: ACARA Copyright Administration.
Aussie Childcare Network. (2009–2016). Fine Motor Development for Preschoolers 4-5 Year Olds. Retrieved 25/8/16, from
http://aussiechildcarenetwork.com.au/articles/child-development/fine-motor-development-for-preschoolers-4-5-year-olds
Council of Australian Governments [COAG]. (2010). Educators Belonging, being & becoming: Educators’ Guide to The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (Educator’s Guide). Canberra: Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workforce.
Clips/Links:
Early Childhood Australia (2011). Finger paint - A great sensory and fun experience. Retrieved 25/8/16, from https://youtu.be/k07iguUG3ME
Early Childhood Australia (2012). Finger painting. Retrieved 25/8/16, from https://youtu.be/LTEovndcFa0
Early Childhood Australia (2011). Creating with clay and natural materials. Retrieved 25/8/16, from https://youtu.be/VMeLnjeucqM
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2012). The Shape of the Australian Curriculum. Technologies. Sydney, NSW: ACARA Copyright Administration.
Aussie Childcare Network. (2009–2016). Fine Motor Development for Preschoolers 4-5 Year Olds. Retrieved 25/8/16, from
http://aussiechildcarenetwork.com.au/articles/child-development/fine-motor-development-for-preschoolers-4-5-year-olds
Council of Australian Governments [COAG]. (2010). Educators Belonging, being & becoming: Educators’ Guide to The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (Educator’s Guide). Canberra: Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workforce.
Clips/Links:
Early Childhood Australia (2011). Finger paint - A great sensory and fun experience. Retrieved 25/8/16, from https://youtu.be/k07iguUG3ME
Early Childhood Australia (2012). Finger painting. Retrieved 25/8/16, from https://youtu.be/LTEovndcFa0
Early Childhood Australia (2011). Creating with clay and natural materials. Retrieved 25/8/16, from https://youtu.be/VMeLnjeucqM