Motor Skill Development

Fishing for Colors Activity for an individual child Age group: 30-40 months Duration of activity: 20 minutes Materials: 1 smooth stick or dowel rod 1 piece of string 2 feet long Small magnet Colored construction paper Scissors Paper clips This f...

Toe Wrestling Activity for two players Age group: 30-40 months Duration of activity: 10 minutes This lively game will help your child develop motor skills and balance. It is recommended that one of the players be an older child or adult who can ...

How can you tell whether your child's tiptoe walking is just a habit or indicates of a problem? ...

Print out and use this checklist to help in an initial diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome in your child. You can find more checklists on Asperger's syndrome here. ...

Fun Sign LanguageDirections Involve your child in making up signals with their hands, arms, and fingers. Each signal should stand for a word or expression. Keep it simple and see how many your child can come up with and remember. This could becom...

Tweezers and TongsMaterials Tweezers Kitchen tongs Variety of small and very small objects Empty egg cartonsDirectionsSelect various objects that require children to use tongs or tweezers to pick them up. Examples are: cereal, cut-up raw vegetabl...

Fine-Motor CoordinationFine-motor coordination involves the ability to control the small muscles of the body and is usually defined as the ability to coordinate the action of the eyes and hands together in performing precise manipulative movement...

Yoga ToadDirectionsPractice this activity with your child until you both perfect it. Squat on your heels and balance. Put the palms of your hands on the floor. How long can you balance there? Help by holding your child's hips up. Take small hops ...

Freeze and MeltDirections Have your child run freely around the space. When you say freeze or clap your hands, she must stop and remain absolutely still. When you say melt, your child can relax and start to move around again. Continue freezing an...

Let's Move!Directions:At an early age, children associate how they move to words that describe the movements they make. For example: run, lie down, stand up, walk. This activity will help your child build his movement vocabulary. Practice the fo...

Kindergarten Prep: Cutting with ScissorsIt is most likely that you will find scissors on the "back-to-school" shopping list. You will want to select a good pair of child-sized scissors that your child can hold comfortably in his hand and that wi...

Three to Six Years: Dietary and Developmental HighlightsAround three, children become increasingly social, more independent, and even more fun to be with than they were before. Preschoolers are particularly playful people who can be quite jovial ...

Brush My HairTime 5 minutes Materials Hairbrush Directions Show your toddler how to brush your hair and express your enjoyment and appreciation with these early attempts to give you pleasure. Extensions Pull out a hand mirror and say, "See how ...

Run to the RibbonsTime 10 minutes Materials Brightly colored ribbon Directions This activity provides visual cues that will get most children moving at top speed. Cut the ribbon in 2-foot lengths and tie it to trees, doors, a water hose, etc.At t...

Kindergarten Prep: Writing ToolsIn learning to write, your child first needs time to explore a variety of writing tools. Over time you will introduce how to hold writing tools properly and your child will begin to perfect her skills in using tho...

Where to JumpTime 10 to 15 minutes Materials Masking tape Directions Toddlers love to jump but usually need help finding out where to do it safely. This activity challenges your child to think before moving. Tape down a square on the floor and e...

Race MeTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials None Directions Growing muscles make young children feel powerful, and this is the perfect age for racing you across the yard. Extensions Play a pretend game of "Magic Shoes" and race around together, preten...

Jingle ToesTime 15 to 30 minutes Materials Needle and threadElastic 4 to 6 jingle bells Directions Your toddler will love to move when motivated by the sound of a jingle bell. Sew 2 or 3 bells onto a strip of elastic that will fit comfortably ar...