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Feeling Fine
Thursday, January 27, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Tiny little fingers are amazing and can keep you very busy!
When it comes to little hands and fingers, first of all, they are the cutest little things (doesn't everything seem cuter when it's smaller?!). Secondly, when it comes to development, it's astonishing what those fingers learn to do over the course of a short amount of time!
From the moment they are born, a newborn's fingers are clenched most of the day. They form the perfect shape for clinging to your fingers. It's a perfect fit and the first steps in developing the fine motor skills which will one day support your child's efforts to write their own name (isn't that a crazy thought!).
As rapidly as infants grow, so do their fine motor skills. Infants begin to reach towards objects. Finally. Success! They grab on! In order to promote fine motor development at this age and stage, consider the use of objects which motivate and reward your child for their efforts. Always think safety first (knowing that most things an infant grabs will next go into their mouth!). Consider color (bright colors like red and black) and texture. Of course, one of the things that an infant will enjoy reaching for most is their reflection. A non-breakable mirror is a wonderfully interactive "toy" and a great motivator for reaching and grabbing.
Next up, toddlerhood. Not only are their fingers ready to explore nearly anything and everything, chances are you are now trying to keep up with your munchkin as their legs are also on the go! Keep them in one place (for a couple minutes, at least
) with a few items that will also support their fine motor skill development. Again, think safety first (especially if they are still mouthing objects). With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite items for encouraging fine motor development in toddlers:
*Chunky crayons and BIG paper (or if you are brave, washable markers)
*Paper for tearing (be sure make clear boundaries of what paper is appropriate to tear and what is not - i.e. don't hand the Sunday paper over to your toddler if you intend to be able to read it unscathed!)
*Safety scissors and old magazines (especially interesting to older toddlers)
*Stickers (if a younger toddler, help unpeel then allow them to stick; older toddlers can do it all!) and appropriate paper for re-sticking the stickers
*Playdough or clay (ONLY use this if you are SURE your child will not ingest). Add more fun with a few simple tools: rolling pin, cookie cutters, even safety scissors
*Paint brushes to be used with washable, non-toxic paints
*Chunky puzzles
*Small balls (Remember, anything that can fit INSIDE a toilet paper tube should be considered a chokable. Think safety first!).
When it comes to fine motor skill development, it's clear that little hands CAN do great things.
Enjoy the explorations!
