Many children face difficulties developing fine motor skills, which can impact their ability to perform everyday tasks like writing, dressing, or using utensils. These challenges often stem from issues with hand strength, coordination, or finger dexterity, making it hard for children to manage tasks that require precise hand movements. Fine motor skill delays can affect a child’s independence and confidence, especially in a school or home environment, where these skills are essential. Recognising the signs early can help parents and caregivers address these issues with appropriate interventions.

Some frequent common issues include:

  • Difficulty holding a pencil or crayon correctly.
  • Trouble cutting with scissors along lines or shapes.
  • Poor handwriting or trouble drawing basic shapes.
  • Struggling to fasten buttons or use zippers.
  • Avoidance of tasks requiring small hand movements, such as tying shoelaces or using utensils.
  • Challenges manipulating small objects like beads or puzzle pieces.
  • Inconsistent pressure when writing or colouring (either too light or too heavy).

How to Develop Fine Motor Skills

Helping your child develop fine motor skills can be simple and fun. Incorporating activities into their daily routine can strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers, improving their control and coordination. Activities like drawing, cutting with scissors, building with blocks, and threading beads are great ways to boost fine motor skills. Play-based exercises like squeezing playdough, picking up small objects with tweezers, or manipulating clay can further strengthen hand muscles. Encouraging your child to practise these activities regularly will help them improve over time. Patience and consistency are key when guiding them on how to develop fine motor skills effectively. 

Here are some of the activities that we do to help your child with fine motor skills.

Activities We Do: 

  • Playdough Manipulation
  • Beading and Threading
  • Scissor Skills
  • Pencil Grasp Activities
  • Buttoning and Fastening Practice
  • Pegboard and Pinching Games
  • Building and Stacking Games
  • Hand Strengthening Exercises
  • Finger Isolation Games

How LEAP Centre Offer Therapy to Your Child’s Needs

At LEAP Centre, we understand that every child’s challenges with fine motor skills are case by case. Our occupational therapists create personalised therapy plans that are tailored to each child’s specific strengths and areas for improvement. We begin with an in-depth assessment to identify the underlying factors contributing to difficulties, whether it’s hand strength, coordination, or sensory processing issues. Based on this assessment, we design a targeted program that includes a mix of engaging activities, skill-building exercises, and real-life tasks to ensure progress.

We also collaborate closely with families, providing practical strategies for reinforcing fine motor development at home. This ongoing support helps ensure that improvements made in therapy translate into everyday activities, like writing, dressing, and self-care. By adjusting the activities and goals as your child progresses, we ensure they are continually challenged and supported in reaching their full potential.

Contact us to get started today.