Pediatric Occupational & Physical Therapy | Sensory Pathways 4 Kids

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Importance of Fine Motor Skills


Happy New Year from SP4K! ****

To start the new year off right, let focus on those fingers!

There has been a huge increase in the amount of screens, tablets, iPads, etc over the last few years compared to encouraging kids to learn how to move and strengthen their fingers and hands with basic fine motor manipulatives; beading, tong activities, puzzles, board games etc.

Fine motor dexterity and strength is very important for a number of reasons for our growing children; improving self care skills (brushing teeth, hair, getting dressed ie:buttoning, zipping etc) improving grasp for writing, manipulating items for finger dexterity, applying enough pressure for pencil and paper tasks or other strengthening activities (grip and pinch strength), cutting, as well as appropriate use of utensils for eating.

Now kids are just so used to touching a screen and swiping every which way, they forget the basics of how our fingers are supposed to move to complete every day things to make sure they are at a appropriate developmental level!

Here are some helpful tips and activities to get those fingers and hands in motion!

Enjoy!

-SP4K