Keeping Your Kids Active
Finger Activities
Finger movement is crucial and can be strengthened with finger painting, playing "Where Is Thumbkin" and simply pointing to pictures in a book, Berke says. "These activities encourage them to move their fingers individually." Crafts in general — anything involving paper, markers, large crayons and water and acrylic paint — improve digital dexterity, says Boston-based Jen Meyers, co-author of "Raising Your Child: The Complete Illustrated Guide."
Using Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination can be improved by stringing large beads on pipe cleaners, picking up soft objects with tongs, and folding paper, Berke says. "Remember to allow plenty of time for children to explore materials and complete tasks at their own pace," says Berke, who also co-authored "The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos." Using safety scissors, drawing, tracing, playing with blocks, building sand castles and even dressing dolls are also fun and effective activities, Meyers says.
Play With Toys & Puzzles
Playing with simple puzzles, the wooden ones with large pieces and knobs, are a great way to fine-tune toddlers' fine motor skills, Meyers says. "Squeezing soft bath toys and balls works too," she says. To inspire the use of two hands, Berke suggests letting tots "use a peg board toy, tear paper, open and close empty containers and use wind-up toys."
Giving Simple Tasks
Sometimes improving fine motor skills can be achieved when toddlers are just keeping themselves tidy and comfortable. "Take advantage of self-care activities throughout the day to support fine-motor skills — like hand washing, crumbling up a napkin and dropping it in a trashcan or taking off socks," Berke suggests.
Building Blocks or Bricks
Large wooden blocks are some of the best toys moms and dads can buy because they're fun, functional and educational. Brightly colored blocks can be used to help teach toddlers various hues and help them develop fine motor skills, Berke and Meyers say. Just make sure you give your toddler enough creative space. "Build with your child but also give him the time to build on his own," Meyers says.
Blowing Bubbles
Who would've thought that bubbles could help improve fine motor skills? But they do. Blowing bubbles can help a tot refine her motor and oral skills and hand-eye coordination, Meyers says. And the fun and benefit is not just in blowing bubbles but popping them, too.
