Fine Motor Development

Fine motor skills allow you to to make movements using the small muscles in your hands and wrists. It is important for children to develop fine motor coordination so they can learn how to perform basic everyday tasks like reaching, grasping, and moving objects. Through fine motor skill development, children learn to use tools such as crayons, chalk, pencils, and scissors. Kids also learn and develop handwriting and drawing skills, and they become more independent and understand how their bodies work. It takes both the brain and body’s muscles for these skills to develop, connect and build with all parts of your child’s development.

Fine Motor Development

 As children excel in their fine motor skills, their self-esteem grows and it helps connect your child to new experiences.

Here are ten ideas you can do at home any time to help your child develop fine motor skills. Most of these items can be found at home or are inexpensive to purchase.  Try one or all of these suggestions, and come up with a few of your own.  Have fun!

  1. Use Playdough to make letters, shapes, and to poke with beads or put pegs in
Fine Motor Development Step
  1. Place buttons, coins, or sticks in a slot or container
Fine Motor Development Step
  1. Use homemade lacing cards with string
Fine Motor Development Step
  1. Try stringing pasta, pool noodles, beads, Cheerios on string/pipe cleaners
Fine Motor Development Step
  1. Make sensory bins with dried beans, rice, or cotton balls
Fine Motor Development Step
  1. Use shaving cream or whipped cream to draw and play with
Fine Motor Development Step
  1. Place tape on a surface and trace with fingers or play with toy cars. Peel tape off toys.
Fine Motor Development Step
  1. Place clothes pins on cardboard, pick up small items, or hang items
Fine Motor Development Step
  1. Use tongs and tweezers to pick up and place small items
Fine Motor Development Step
  1. Use a spray bottle to water the sidewalk, shoot at targets, make art
Fine Motor Development Step

Mobile Therapy Centers provides FREE screenings/consultations so why not take advantage of the opportunity to have your child seen by a professional and answer any questions you may have? To learn more, please visit our website and don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with one of our Occupational Therapists.

Mobile Therapy Centers is a Multidisciplinary Clinic specializing in ABA Therapy for Autism, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Feeding Therapy and Counseling. We see children at our clinics in Illinois and Tennessee, at your home or at your child’s school/daycare making it convenient for you and your family.

Contact MTC for free screenings/consultations. We also provide Telehealth services. MTC accepts most commercial insurance. Contact us to learn more.

SCHEDULE SERVICES AT MOBILE THERAPY CENTERS OF AMERICA

If you have any questions regarding our services, please call us at 800-977-9072 to schedule a FREE consultation/screening

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Elaina Pagliarulo AACOTA/L, AAT Handler

Elaina is a part of our MTC Occupational Therapy Department and received an education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, McHenry County College, and Husson University. She has a strong passion for working with both animals and children. Elaina has always wanted to incorporate both of these passions into her career and is incredibly excited to bring Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) to Mobile Therapy Centers!

MTC's Therapy Dog: Rocky

Rocky is an Australian Mountain Doodle who loves to learn, play, and meet new people. Rocky joined our MTC team when he was just 8 weeks old and has been training to support the clients of MTC from day one. His kind and loving nature makes him the perfect match for Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Rocky can not wait to meet all his new friends through the MTC AAT program!