Prepare for Writing with Games and Activities

Developing Fine Motor Control

T oddlers don't start out with perfect hand-eye coordination, it's a skill that needs to be learnt.

'Fine motor control' is the ability to move your fingers to complete tricky tasks such as sewing, model making or drawing.

By giving your child lots of chances to develop their fine motor control through games and activities, over the years they will be able to master this skill.

When the time comes for them to learn to write they will find it a natural and enjoyable process.

Nurturing Enthusiasm and Self-Esteem is more Important than Perfection

Nurturing enthusiasm, self-esteem and learning strategies in your child is more important than immediate perfection.

The valuable thing you provide are activites in which they can practice their fine motor skills, give encouragement and guidance. Their skill level, enthusiasm and confidence will evolve steadily, and through enjoyment they will want to try again.

In pushing them too hard, you run the risk of deflating their enthusiasm and self-esteem. Enthusiasm and self-esteem are very precious commodities for your child's future learning.

If you get into the habit of standing your over them cracking the whip. It might look like your making progress in the a short term but it is doomed to fail in the later on at some point.

Results will come from your child's enthusiasm.

Almost any play will help develop their fine motor skills. For younger children give them larger objects, but as they get older they'll be better coordinated to play with smaller items.

Note that a child who spends excessive periods watching TV, won't be having the 'fine motor control' practice they need.

Encourage the use of shapes such as circles, triangles and squares.

Arts and Crafts

Painting

Drawing

Ideas for painting include; your house, your family, whatever they are interested in.

Making paper aeroplanes

Pouring

Sandbox

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