Supporting Fine Motor Development in Children: Practical strategies for children ages 0-6 from an Occupational Therapy lens

Fine motor skills form the foundation for a child’s independence, learning, and participation in daily activities. From grasping toys and feeding themselves to drawing, writing, and managing fasteners, strong fine motor skills support success both at home and at school.

This practical, hands-on presentation will explore how fine motor skills develop from the early years and beyond, and how parents and caregivers can actively support this development through everyday activities in the home environment.

What Are Fine Motor Skills?

Fine motor skills involve the use of the small muscles of the hands and fingers, working together with the eyes, posture, and sensory systems to perform precise, coordinated movements.

What We Will Cover

Participants will learn about:

• How fine motor skills develop across infancy, toddlerhood, preschool, and school-age years
• Key building blocks for fine motor development (strength, coordination, bilateral skills, hand dominance)
• Common signs that a child may be struggling with fine motor skills
• The connection between fine motor skills, play, self-care, and school readiness
• How posture, core strength, and sensory input support hand skills

Practical Strategies for Home

From an Occupational Therapy perspective, this session will share:

• Simple play-based activities using everyday household items
• Ways to support hand strength, coordination, and endurance
• Fine motor activities that can be embedded into daily routines
• Tips for adapting tasks for different ages and skill levels
• How parents and nannies can encourage independence without pressure

Who This Session Is For

• Parents and caregivers of young children
• Nannies and childcare providers
• Families supporting children with fine motor challenges
• Anyone wanting practical, realistic strategies they can use immediately

Key Takeaways

Attendees will leave with:

• A clearer understanding of fine motor development milestones
• Practical, easy-to-implement strategies for the home environment
• Increased confidence in supporting children’s independence and skill development
• Tools to make everyday routines opportunities for learning and growth

Details:

Bring your curiosity and your questions! This is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with fellow educators and gain practical tools that can have a lasting impact on your students’ learning and independence. We look forward to seeing you there!

This workshop is sponsored by KidsAbility and free for all to attend.