Resource Library

School Readiness: Fine Motor Skills

By Pat Stevens, OTL, Occupational Therapist

Q: My child is about to enter kindergarten and he does not like to color, cut with scissors or do other quiet activities. What can I do to help?

A: Each child matures at a different rate both physically and socially. The ability to attend to “school” activities requires attention, motor coordination and perceptual skills. When a child is having difficulty coordinating the small muscles of his arms and fingers, avoidance of these activities becomes common. By changing the tools your child uses and providing fun ways for him to practice, you can help him develop these skills.

  • Drawing/writing can be done with 2” paint brushes, a bucket of water, and the sidewalk or side of your house.
  • Use chalk, gel pens or other fun ways to color and use grocery bags for really big coloring.
  • Try cutting Play Doh or straws (to make your own beads) and use small kitchen tongs to pick up pebbles.

For further assistance, Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive therapy programs.

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