Fine Motor Skills – Activities to Try at Home and When to Refer to an OT

claire2876
Jul 31
2 min read

Fine motor skills are essential for everyday tasks like using cutlery, doing up buttons, writing, cutting, and tying shoelaces. When these skills are delayed, children may become frustrated, avoid tasks, or struggle with school participation and independence.

Occupational therapists can help children develop the strength, coordination, and control needed for success in both academic and daily living tasks.

✋ What Are Fine Motor Skills?

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands, wrists, and fingers. These muscles are responsible for tasks like grasping a pencil, turning pages, opening containers, and manipulating tools like scissors or cutlery.

🔍 Signs of Fine Motor Delay

Difficulty holding a pencil or crayon correctly
Trouble with buttons, zips, or using cutlery
Avoids colouring, drawing, or craft activities
Struggles to cut with scissors or follow lines
Poor handwriting legibility or fatigue when writing
Frustration or avoidance of self-care tasks

If left unaddressed, fine motor challenges can affect self-esteem, academic progress, and independence at school and home.

🏠 Fine Motor Activities to Try at Home

Playdough play: Roll, squeeze, pinch, and press
Lacing cards or threading beads
Sticker peeling and placing: Great for pincer grip
Tweezers and tongs: Pick up small objects in games
Cutting tasks: Practice with zig-zag or curved lines
Pre-writing shapes: Tracing shapes in sand, shaving cream, or with chalk
Clothes peg games: Build hand strength and coordination

Incorporate these into play or daily routines and aim for short, fun sessions. Celebrate small wins!

📥 When to Refer to an OT for Fine Motor Skills

Your child avoids fine motor tasks or becomes frustrated
They’re falling behind peers in self-care or classroom tasks
Educators have raised concerns about handwriting or scissor use
They seem clumsy or lack control with small movements
Home strategies haven’t led to improvement

Our occupational therapists use creative, child-led sessions to build confidence and strengthen fine motor skills in meaningful ways.

💬 Let’s Strengthen Those Little Muscles Together

Our team at Shoalhaven and Shellharbour clinics is ready to support your child’s independence and school readiness. Book a fine motor assessment today.