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 ...

Log RollTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials Open, grassy area Directions Your child will love the dizzying effect of this game but will also be challenged to control the body. Have your child lie on her back with her arms extended overhead.In that pos...

Life-Sized Foil FiguresTime 20 to 30 minutes Materials ScissorsMasking tapeHeavy-duty aluminum foil Directions This activity can give your child a whole new perspective on body size. Measure your child's height and cut 2 sheets of foil a bit long...

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...

High WaterTime 15 to 30 minutes Materials Piece of rope at least 6 feet long Directions This activity strengthens the muscles and focuses attention. Tie one end of the rope to a tree or chair and hold the free side about 2 feet off the ground.Cha...

Gravity ChallengeTime 15 to 20 minutes Materials None Directions Balance is steadily emerging and can improve with practice. With this simple exercise, you are the catalyst through your simultaneous involvement. Work together as you close your e...

Wet FootprintsTime 10 to 20 minutes Materials Brown paper shopping bagsShallow pan of water Directions This is an easy outdoor activity that provides a fun way to learn about the feet and the length of stride. Cut the paper bags at the seam so t...