Tools to promote fine motor skills in preschool

This may just look like an empty blue ice tray but if you stop and think about how it can be used to promote fine motor skills or sorting skills, the ideas are limitless.

Here’s a fine motor game you can play with your students

 

By adding a basket of small, plastic objects – this ice tray becomes a tool for both play and developing new skills.

Today, the children are simply focused on putting pieces of fruit in the tray. No instructions are given. Instead, the children make up their own rules of play.

Through their play, the children are building fine motor muscle and control…

A little talking, sharing, comparing, patterning, and sorting is also going on…

And then there is spacial awareness and counting. How many of these little objects will fit into each square of the tray?

The teacher occasionally stops by and asks a casual question like, “Can you show me something purple?”

Notice that a little parallel play is happening too.

And then it is always fun to dump our trays back into the basket all by ourselves.

Wow, who knew an ice tray was actually a tool for so much learning?

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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