Fine motor skills describes the physical development that starts with a baby being able to hold a rattle and continues until they are able to build bricks, dress themselves, hold a pen to write and draw.

You have probably noticed that your child enjoys drawing in more detail and can play with more fiddly toys.

By the time they are starting reception most children will be mostly left or right handed (it does not matter which!). They will be able to hold a pen or pencil using their thumb and fingers (not their fist). They will probably be drawing great pictures of you complete with a head and maybe some other body parts! They will be feeding and dressing themselves and maybe just needing some help with tricky bits.

You can help them build on these skills by giving them lots of chances to practice;

• Let them draw using colouring pens (you can get washable ones!) get them copying circles and shapes. Draw with them they will like taking it in turns. Encourage them to try and keep in the lines in colouring books.
• Play at chopping and shaping play dough, cutting out with play scissors and dressing teddies and dolls.
• Let your child try to do their own buttons and zips. It may take longer but these are important skills and they will get quicker.

If you are worried that your child is really struggling with these physical skills speak to their nursery to begin with. If your child is not at nursery, or you are still worried contact our services on the details below. You can talk to a health professional for advice and support.