Last week we talked about the importance of fine motor development, so this week I want to share some of my favorite fine motor experiences with you! They all require gathering some materials but you can typically find most of these things lying around your house or at a dollar store. They’ll work to strengthen those little hand muscles needed to start writing and drawing and being more independent. These activities are sure to be home runs for your little ones!
Late last year I read an article that continues to stick with me.
A surgery professor in London noticed a trend in his students over the last decade: a decrease in their fine motor skills.
With the refinement and widespread use of technology, people are spending more time playing games on their phones, watching tv, scrolling through social media, and less time writing by hand, building things by hand, and basically doing anything by hand.
It’s Four Favorites time!
This month we’re talking about physical development and last week I focused on rough and tumble play. (Read more here.)
But we also talked about how not all kids are into rough and tumble. Not all kids are into aimlessly running around on the playground. When that’s the case, how can we make sure they’re getting enough movement throughout the week?
“ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLE????!?!!!!!!”
Everyone’s attention is centered on a gymnastics mat surrounded by a circle of excited preschoolers. Two children are on their knees facing each other. Hearing the starting signal, they lunge toward each other, collapsing in a tangle of limbs as each one tries to pin the other to the ground for three seconds. Shouting fills the air as children call out words of encouragement to their friends wrestling on the playground. Through giggles, one child shouts out “I want to wrestle Jacob next!”
WHOA! WHAT IS THIS?! LORD OF THE FLIES?!
Living Arrows 