Fine motor activities

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Table Of Contents
  1. Finger isolation
  2. Pincer grip
  3. Tripod grip

From threading to needlework, drawing to collage, fine motor control is central to many favourite preschooler activities. Not to mention vital for pen control.

Finger isolation

Finger isolation comes first. Think of this as the ability to play scales on the piano, one finger at a time. If you can’t move a finger by itself it’s hard to co-ordinate its movements with a second one. Pushing buttons and finger painting are great ways in for younger children.

Pincer grip

Next comes the pincer grip. You pinch the thumb and forefinger together, for example when opening a clothes peg or pulling thread through the eye of a needle.

Tripod grip

Finally, the tripod grip – using thumb, index and middle finger (like a tripod) to hold everything from cutlery to pencils.

About The Author

I'm Alexis, father of four and founder of One Hundred Toys, Get Set Five and A Year With My Child. I taught in London primary schools for thirteen years, specialising in the early years. I studied at the Institute of Education, part of the University of London, both for my PGCE and my as-yet-unfinished masters. I'm especially interested in schemas and how they help us understand the motivations behind toddlers' play.

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