 Below is a list of activities that will help your child develop fine motor skills that are essential for performing many functional tasks.
- tying shoes - doing puzzles (even puzzles with the pieces that have knobs) - turning pages in a book - pinching objects between fingers (e.g. Play-Doh) - playing the game Operation (as seen in the photo above) - beading activities (e.g. stringing beads from a kit, Cherrios, Fruit Loops, macaroni) - manipulating buttons and/or snaps - zipping and unzipping (this can include Ziploc bags) - using scissors - tying knots with string/yarn - creating with Unifix Cubes - maintaining proper pencil grip and writing - painting (with a brush)/drawing with pencil, crayon, or marker - creating with Silly Putty - buckling and unbuckling - isolating finger movement (e.g. flexing the index finger) - creating with modeling clay - coloring with small or broken crayons (forces one to hold it correctly between the index and thumb) - properly holding utensils - games (e.g. Pickup Sticks and Connect 4) - building with Legos - storing items in containers with screw lids that need to be opened and closed as needed - finger painting - squeezing water from a sponge (use two bowls, one empty/one filled with water), soak up water from one bowl and squeeze it into the other until filled - make paperdolls - play string games (e.g. Cat's Cradle) - playing Mancala - depositing coins (two or three at a time) in to a small bank - tearing paper (tear art) - clothespin activities - playing with squirt toys (e.g. bath toys) - crumpling small pieces of paper (e.g. for an art project to make snow ball, pebbles, etc.) This is not a complete list as there are many more activities that can be added. Are there any activities you know/use that are not on this list?
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 There is a wonderful book with great illustrations titled Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry Lee MacLean. It is the story of a pig who uses meditation to find inner calmness, peace, and strength. We live in a world that seems to become more and more hectic as the weeks, months and years pass. We are in perpetual motion making phone calls, texting, emailing, search the Internet, instant messaging, posting on social media, working, going to school, playing sports, etc. When do we relax? The pig in the story tells us how he finds peace and tranquility in the chaotic world in which he lives. The book teaches the benefits of spending time in a quiet environment that is conducive to introspection. It is an excellent read-aloud book for Kindergarten through middle school. It can be used in high school as well, and many adults can find value in it!
How often to do make time to practice mindfulness? Do you have a unique way that you practice mindfulness? |
AuthorRandy Sally 
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