Fine motor skills refers to the strengthening of small muscles in the hand which are used in fine movements. These skills are demonstrated in: grasping (e.g. using a pencil or blocks); manipulating (e.g. scissors, play dough);and hand-eye coordination (e.g. writing, using a mouse to move a cursor).

Encouraging children to build up their fine motor skills is important. Poor fine motor skills can affect the legibility of their handwriting, which contributes to the development of their literacy / communication skills. The stronger their fine motor skills, the easier it will be for them to manipulate and control a range of materials and tools.

Fine Motor Activities Black & White Collage via Lessons Learnt Journal 08 (1)

How to make a Black and White Collage

Materials:
black cardboard
white paper
marker / pencil
scissors
glue

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1. Draw several lines from the top to the bottom of the paper. These lines could be straight or curved.

2. Cut the white paper on the marked lines.

3. Spread out the white strips across the black cardboard.

4. Glue the white strips in place.

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Fine Motor Skills Promoted

This fine motor activity, creating a black and white collage, provides children with opportunities to develop their fine motor skills with the actions of gripping, holding, cutting, squeezing, patting and pasting.

Their fine motor skills are also developed as they use various tools: scissors, markers and glue sticks.

In this particular activity, they are working with different surfaces: paper and cardboard, some wet and some dry. The variety of surfaces provides further scope for developing their fine motor skills.

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More Activities for Preschoolers

Three to Five: Playful Preschool is stuffed to the brim with tried, tested and loved playful learning ideas for preschoolers. There are 25+ ideas for preschoolers, ten printable resources and additional links to over 50 more activities. A great resource for parents. Download your copy here.

Games for Kids: Three to Five Playful Preschool eBook via Lessons Learnt Journal

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N&M: 5 years, 2 months
August 2013
Activities for Children Life With Kids Lessons Learnt Journal

About the author

Pauline Pauline & Lessons Learnt Journal is all about life with kids. Pauline is an Aussie mum and teacher who shares her love for play, math games, writing and reading activities. She believes that #playmatters, values curiosity & wonder, wisdom, obedience and respect. She also needs naps. When not blogging, she may be found virtually hoarding on Pinterest, trying to decide which Instagram filter to apply, or compulsively refreshing her Facebook feed.