Some examples of fine motor skills.

Examples of Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are necessary for tasks like:

+Making a phone call

+Adjusting locks, keys, and doorknobs

+A plug being inserted into a socket

+Clothes buttoning and unbuttoning

+Zippers opening and closing

+Using buckles and snaps to fasten

+Shoelace tying

+Flossing and tooth brushing

+Showering or bathing

+Using the restroom

For eating and cooking, fine motor skills are also important, such as:

+Selecting little foods like raisins

+Using a fork or spoon when eating

+Zip-top bags and lunch boxes can be opened and closed.

+Removing and reinstalling lids

+Taking a dish of food using a big spoon, tongs, or a ladle

+Using a knife to cut food

+Distributing condiments such as butter, mayonnaise, and jelly

+Spices are sprinkled

+Preparing the meal

+Pouring beverages and condiments like ketchup and salad dressing

+Fruits and vegetables should be scrubbed and peeled.

+Mixing, whisking, and stirring

+Coloring

+Painting and drawing

+Tracing

+Writing

+Using scissors to cut

+Using paste and glue

+Using a ruler to measure

+Using a computer mousepad while typing

+Musical instrument playing

When playing, kids use their fine motor abilities, which include:

+A rattle being shook

+Blocks being stacked

+Bead stringing

+Solve puzzles

+Doll dressing

+Puppet-related activities

+Making clay sculptures

+Constructing railroad or automobile tracks

+Constructing with Legos or other building tools

+Gaming on a board (rolling dice, moving small pieces, spinning spinners)

+Gaming on a video game (using a joystick or other controller).

Milestones for Fine Motor Skills

Milestones are abilities that kids gain as they mature. Most of them start to develop fine motor abilities at a particular age.

3 months.

Your baby’s ability to manipulate their arms is limited. They may be able to reach their lips with their hands. The hands of a baby are frequently clasped firmly. At three months old, your baby’s hands begin to loosen up and open up. They might try to grab toys that are hanging from hooks and they might be able to swing an arm in that way.

9 months. 

At nine months old, children can usually bring things to their lips and transfer objects from one hand to the other. Most of the time, their hands are relaxed and open. Pincer grasps are frequently used by newborns. They do this by picking up little objects with their thumb and index finger.‌

12 months. 

Once they are a year old, most kids can let go of items on purpose and may even be able to hand you something if you ask for it. They can point at things, put things in and take things out of containers, and knock two toys together.

18 months.

At this age, kids can frequently clap their hands, wave farewell, and draw with crayons on their own. Your toddler could start using a cup for drinking and a spoon for eating.

2 years. 

By the age of 2, most kids will point to pictures in books and turn the pages. Your youngster might be able to build a tower out of three or four blocks.

When to Talk With Your Child’s Doctor

Different children mature at various speeds. It’s OK for some people to learn how to eat with a spoon sooner or later than others. If your kid doesn’t seem to be meeting many of the developmental milestones for their age group or if you are worried about their progress, speak with your child’s doctor. You can schedule a specialist assessment with the assistance of your doctor. ‌

If your kid is under 3 years old, you can also contact your neighborhood early intervention agency for a free examination. If your kid is 3 years old or older, contact the neighborhood public elementary school. Inform them that you are worried about your child’s growth and that you would like them to be assessed for special preschool education programs. The support your child needs can be obtained by taking action early on.