Fine motor skills are concerned with developing the small muscles that control the hand, fingers and thumb. The effective development of these muscles is crucial for performing important day to day tasks and perfecting the “pincer” grip that is essential for writing and drawing. These simple activities are ideal for strengthening these muscles and improving coordination.


Threading Flowers


We used a metal colander from the pound shop and made colourful flowers using tissue paper and pipe cleaners for the children to “plant” in the holes. You could also use upturned flowerpots for this activity and replace the paper flowers with real ones.


What you’ll need


• A metal colander or plastic flowerpots • 743909 Assorted Pipe Cleaners • 118028 YPO Tissue Paper


PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT


EXPRESSIVE ARTS & DESIGN


PERSONAL, SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT


Shop Little Learners ypo.co.uk/earlyyears 15


Fine motor FINGER GYM


Wiggly Worms


This is a simple activity that our Little learners soon got the hang of!


What you’ll need • 114812 A4 Poster Paper Sheets • 303877 Wiggle Eyes - Pack of 1,000


• 716473 YPO Glue Sticks - Pack of 10


Method


Cut two strips of paper about 4cm wide and stick together at the top so they form a right angle, then alternately fold each strip back over the join, making a right angle with each fold to form a concertina until all the paper has been folded.


Glue the ends together and attach your wiggle eyes.


DIY Busy Fingers Board


We made our own busy fingers board using an off cut of MDF from our local DIY store and adding nuts and bolts for screwing and unscrewing, hooks and eyes for threading and flat head nails for stretching elastic bands across or weaving ribbons in and out of. A small button can be glued on to the top of each nail if you’re worried the edges might be too sharp.


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