Age-appropriate fine motor skills are essential for helping children become independent with daily tasks such as dressing, feeding themselves, cutting with scissors, and writing. In occupational therapy, we often address these skills through play—because play is one of the most effective and engaging ways for children to learn.
Below are some fun and simple toys, activities, and exercises you can try at home to help promote your child’s fine motor development.
Upper Body Strengthening Activities
Building upper body strength provides a solid foundation for developing fine motor skills. Try incorporating these playful strengthening exercises:
- Pop tubes
- Wall push-ups
- Activities in a quadruped position (on hands and knees)
- Finding hidden objects in theraputty
- Velcro play food
- Using snack clips or clothespins
Fine Motor Activities at Home
These activities support hand strength, coordination, and precision—important skills for functional independence:
- Lacing beads
- Peg boards
- Mr. Potato Head or similar toys
- Scribbling, copying shapes, or writing their name on the wall during bath time (great for water-safe crayons!)
- Q tip painting
- Color on paper under the table
- Cutting activities using child-safe scissors
- Peeling food such as oranges and opening containers
Your child may already be working on some of these activities during their occupational therapy sessions. However, including these playful exercises in your daily routine at home can further support their development and make practice fun and functional!