Motor Activities for the Long Winter
Winter in Maine seems to last longer than one season! Here are some resources for ideas for gross and fine motor activities that could be just the right indoor activities for your toddler or preschooler. Also, some background on the importance of gross and fine motor activities for young children.
The ability to write is a cognitive and physical achievement. The brain has to learn the minute differences between 26 similar letters and direct the body to form the lines of each letter. The trunk muscles help the body sit upright, ready at the paper. One shoulder, arm and hand steady the paper with just the right pressure. Then, the opposite shoulder, upper and lower arm, wrist, palm and fingers work together to push and pull the pencil in the precise sequence to form a letter. Phew!
So much of writing readiness comes down to physical readiness. It is surprising how much of the body is involved in writing. Trunk strength in the core and shoulders is just as crucial for writing as hand strength. I like to visualize this as the larger muscles groups setting up a foundation for the hand muscles to grasp the pencil and make the precise movements for writing. Developing trunk strength involves coordination and balance. When the trunk is strong, it is easier for the hand to lightly grasp the pencil in that tripod finger grasp that allows for easy writing.
The best way to prepare a child to write with ease is through motor activity! In the Montessori classroom, we incorporate gross and fine motor activities throughout the child’s day. The Practical Life area features fine motor activities like pouring and using tools like tweezers and scoops. The Language area includes activities like using chalk and pin punches. Gross motor movement takes place with music at circle time and during work time with care of the environment activities like dishes washing and sweeping.
Here are some great online resources for fine and gross motor activities to try at home. There are many ideas at each website, enough to get you through the long winter! Let us know how it goes and if your child has a favorite activity.
Gross Motor Activities
Offers movement game ideas for increasing hand-eye coordination, core strength, shoulder strength and bilateral coordination.
Offers fun movement activites to increase core strength and balance.
Fine Motor Activities
Fine Motor Skills Ideas – photo rich and short descriptions of activities
40 Fine Motor Activities for Children – great if you enjoy photos for inspiration