SERVICES
Fine Motor
What are Fine Motor skills?
Fine motor skills involve use of the smaller muscles of the wrist, hand, and fingers to make precise, refined movements. Fine motor skills are typically involved in functional tasks such as holding an eating utensil, tying shoelaces, and manipulating buttons. Additionally, fine motor skills are required for holding and controlling a pencil in order to write one’s name, cutting with scissors, and coloring with crayons.
Signs of challenge in this area include...
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Difficulty holding a pencil or seemingly awkward grasp
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Low endurance for writing and drawing tasks
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Preferring for parents to assist with dressing and grooming tasks
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Avoidance of seated tasks that involve hand use
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Lack of interest in pencil or scissor tasks
Why is this important?
Fine motor skills are a prerequisite for many self-care, academic, and functional play skills.
Specifically, fine motor skills are crucial for independence with self-care tasks such as squeezing toothpaste onto a toothbrush and opening containers within a lunch box. Fine motor skills are also integral for successes in the classroom, such as the ability to write one’s own name and keep up with peers.
Lastly, fine motor skills are essential for functional play skills such as constructing with Legos and manipulating puzzle pieces. All of these areas are key in facilitating a child’s confidence in his or her abilities, including academic performance and interactions with peers.
How can ot help?
Fine motor skills can be addressed in therapy through the strategic practice of functional skills such as shoe-tying, button manipulation, and eating utensil management. Additionally, occupational therapists can address fine motor skills through play-based interventions such as manipulation of small toys with hand-strengthening tools (i.e., tweezers, clothespins, tongs). Overall, the goal of occupational therapy services is to set each child up to achieve success, independence, and positive experiences in his or her daily life.