Many developments take place in a child, fine motor skill development is one of those. Now, what is fine motor development? When a child learns to use the smaller muscles like those present in the hands, wrists, and fingers, it is believed that they have achieved fine motor skills. In simpler words, this development makes the child able to make movements using his/ her small muscles.
Proper development of these skills makes the child self-dependent. As the smaller muscles start to work, the kid becomes able to do minimum self-care activities on his/ her own. Vidhyashram International School, the best International School In Jodhpur, fulfills all the aspects which are needed for the child's bright future. Let’s take a look at what are fine motor skills in child development and what are examples. But, at first, let us get a bit deeper into what do fine motor skills mean?
What does Fine Motor Skill Mean?
In simpler words, fine motor skills mean the tiny movements of the fingers, wrists, hands, toes, feet, tongue, and lips. The muscle-moving actions in the body are referred to as motor skills.
With fine motor skills, another skill that develops is large motor skills. Now, what are large motor skills? The larger movements of legs, feet, arms, or the entire body come under this group.
Examples of Motor Skills:
- Scribbling, drawing, coloring, writing
- Holding scissors and cutting
- Doll dressing
- Tying shoelaces
- Doling up sandals
- Opening and closing buttons, zips, belts
- Opening bags, lunch boxes
- Brushing hair
- Cleaning teeth
What are Fine Motor Skills in Childhood?
Children develop these skills at their own pace. Some may develop some skills later than others and there’s really nothing to worry about. From the age of 1 to 2 months, kids gradually start acquiring these skills and the learning process continues through preschool and elementary school.
Following are some of the important fine motor skills that should develop in childhood.
The Palmar Arches
This muscle movement allows inward palm curling. This build-up helps in finger movement thus ensuring the ability to write, grip, and unbuttoning clothes.
Wrist Stability
This helps the kids to move their fingers with control and stability. This movement is generally developed by the early school years.
Intrinsic Growth
Performing minor tasks using hands where the tip of the index finger and middle finger get in touch with the thumb.
Two-way Hand Skills
Coordination of both hands at the same time for executing various actions.
Scissor Skill
This skill is generally developed in a kid by the age of 4 years. This efficiency strengthens hands and develops hand-eye coordination.
Importance of Fine Motor Skills
Each and every development is necessary for the proper growth of skills. Without the proper development of these skills, children may find the problem in performing their regular activities and even his/ her academic performance can get affected.
Following are some of the difficulties a child can face without proper fine motor coordination:
- Shirking or lack of potential in the engagement of skills using a fiddly finger.
- Avoiding tasks that require sitting down and preferring physical activities.
- Interest in activities like watching videos, television is a passive type of activity requiring low or no fine motor skills.
- Cutting or pencil skills do not interest these kids.
Other Symptoms that Show Lack of Fine Motor Coordination
- Not trying to fix a problem and asking parents to do that instead.
- Not willing to clean their teeth or dress up without their parents’ intervention.
- Can not or trouble in coloring in between lines.
- Struggle in block building.
- Can not eat by themselves.
- Clumsy movements.
- Drops objects.
- Struggling with tying shoelaces.
- Can not hold a toothbrush or spoon properly.
Incorporating Motor Skills Activities
It is important to incorporate motor skill activities in children’s daily routine as that can be beneficial for them to make progress socially, academically, and personally.
Following are some of the motor skill activities that parents can incorporate:
- Playing board games involving rolling dice.
- Asking kid’s assistance in lunch preparation like mixing, stirring, pouring ingredients, etc.
- Painting fingers.
- Solving puzzles together.
- Pouring water or other drinks into the glass.
- Setting the dinner table together.
- Encourage kids to place rubber bands around cans.
- Involve the children in dot-connecting games.
- Inserting puzzles.
Parental Concern for Kids Lacking Fine Motor Skills in Childhood
All skills do not develop around the same age in all children but sooner or later, the skills need to get developed for the proper growth of the kids. Children who are showing symptoms that indicate a lack of fine motor skills development requires attention. Parents should take a closer look at the activities of their kids and if they see any symptoms, they should take proper care of them.
Parents and teachers who are in charge of taking care of the children should have a clear understanding of the timetable of skill development. Parents should incorporate motor skill activities in the kid's daily routine and they can also consider enrolling their kid in various workshops that can help the kid grow their skills.
Conclusion
Vidhyashram International School is the best schools of Jodhpur, For proper living and learning, fine motor skills play an important role in child development. With proper incorporation of motor skills activities, daily house activities, enrolment in the right skill-developing workshops children can overcome various difficulties and reach milestones.

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