FINGERPAINT
All you do is enjoy yourself...put a puddle of liquid starch on
the paper, or directly on the table, or on a cookie sheet or sheet of Plexiglas
or anything smooth...and then put a tablespoon of powdered tempera,
or a squirt
of liquid tempera, directly on the starch. There are no exact measurements.
Which is nice! Less paint, you get a transparent look. More paint, you get a
denser look.
SQUISHY
BALLS
Squishy balls are just balloons filled with corn starch or flour.
You fill the balloon with the flour or corn starch and tie it off.
My students are having a great time with these.
TYING
SHOES
Make a teepee. Come inside.
Pull down tight so we can hide.
Around the mountain... here we go!
Here's my arrow. Here's my bow.
FINE MOTOR SKILLS
1) Pick up and sort objects such as blocks, spools, coins, beans,
marbles, cotton balls, pins, buttons, straws, nails, nuts, bolts,
popcorn, etc.. and place them into containers of varying sizes (i.e.
egg cartons, cups, mugs, jars, etc.)
2) Pick up objects (blocks, cotton balls, counters, etc.) using
various sized tongs and strawberry pickers, transferring them between
containers
3) Stack objects (i.e. coins, cards, checkers, blocks, etc.)
4) Screw and unscrew objects such as nuts and bolts, caps from jars
5) String beads onto a shoelace
6) Run a threaded needle through cloth
7) Fasten safety pins
8) Cut straight and curved lines/shapes drawn on paper, cloth, etc.,
with scissors
9) Play the piano
10) Type
11) Crumple paper in a small ball and then flick it with the finger
(play "soccer" with the paper ball)
12) Shuffle cards, deal cards one by one, turn cards over
13) Roll a pencil between thumb and fingers without dropping it
14) Knead dough
15) Stick small objects into play dough for him/her to pull out
16) Wind thread on a spool evenly
17) Put rubber bands around various size containers and objects
18) Use tweezers to pick up small objects
19) Move spoonfuls of small objects from one bowl to another
20) Do up buttons, zippers, hooks, etc.
21) Tie shoelaces
22) Cut finger and toenails with clippers
23) Trace and copy letters
24) Do connect the dot puzzles
25) Solve mazes
26) Manually sharpen pencils
27) Use a manual can opener
28) Tie a box with string or ribbon
29) Put keys into locks to open doors
30) Put paper clips onto paper
31) Use a stapler
32) Remove staples with a staple remover
33) Place clothespins on the edge of a box or container
34) Dial a telephone
35) Set a watch or clock
36) Pick up or move marbles (or nuts in shells) using a melon baller.
This could be made into a game - i.e. take turns rolling a die.
Whatever number turns up, pick up that number of "marbles" and place
them into an egg carton.
37) Use Wikki Stix to form shapes, letters, numbers, and other
designs. You may want to use a template.
38) Color using the flat side of a crayon. Put paper over leaves,
stencils, and other objects so that the child gets sensory feedback
as he colors.
39) Make a matching game (pictures, letters, etc.) using a coffee
can
and clothespins. Have the child put the clothespins on the rim of the
can.
40) Use sprayer bottles filled with water and sponges to have the
child "clean" a desk or table, then squeeze the excess water into a
dishpan. This is a great pre-scissor skill activity.
41) Lace various sized beads. Any activity involving the use of both
hands is good to develop bilateral integration.
42) Oriental Trading Company has some cute manipulatives, like small
locks with keys and slimy putty for poking and rolling. You could
have a cutting center. Give the student a magazine and let him cut
out the pictures he likes to make a poster. Glue on pictures and
later let him tell why he chose those pictures.
43) A fun activity with young toddlers is to fill a sensory
table/bucket with colored pompoms and provide small tongs and
strawberry baskets (or another basket/bucket) for the children to
fill their baskets.
44) Also using tweezers to pickup different items.kind of like
sorting.maybe in egg cartons or something else.
45) Older children may practice strengthening strengthening their
fingers for cutting by using a rubber band to just stretch, release,
stretch, release, etc.
46) Play dough play with young children with the terms: poke,
squeeze, pound, press, knead, etc. is always good for language too.
GOO GLOVES
Submitted by Rachel
Take a rubber examining glove and put a table spoon of finger paint
in the glove. Next fill the glove 3/4 way with white school
glue. Tie the end of the glove off. Wash off any glue
or paint that might have gotten on the outside of the glove. Then
you put another glove on the original and tie. This will give
it extra protection. Squeeze the glove and work together the
glue and paint until it is one solid color. I tried this in
my toddler class and they loved it, they just laugh because it felt
like they were playing with a hand. They especially like how
they can take the glove and give their self a high five.
MAKING BEADS
Strings of Bag Beads
Roll them, twist them, or bend them. Then string them up and wear
them!
You will need:
grocery bags
scissors
markers, glitter, or paints
glue
toothpick
hole punch
yarn or string
To Make a Tube Bead
Cut a long strip from a grocery bag. Make it as wide as you'd like
your
bead. Use markers, glitter, or paints to decorate a few inches at one end of
it. Then starting at the plain end, roll the strip around a toothpick. Glue
the end down.
To Make Accordion-Style Beads
Cut a strip from a bag. Decorate it on both sides with markers or paints,
then fold it accordion-style. Punch a hole in each section between the
folds.
To Make a Necklace, Bracelet, or Anklet
Create as many beads as you like then arrange them on your work space. Wrap
tape around the end of a length of string or yarn, then thread it through the
beads. Trim the string, leaving enough room at both ends to tie them together.
FINE MOTOR SKILLS AND LEARNING LETTERS
Submited by Vicky
write with a tiny piece of damp sponge on chalkboard and then trace
with finger
put about a 1/2 inch of sand in a shallow box and trace
here is a cool one, collect the disolvable packaging peanuts. If you
touch the end of one to a damp sponge it will stick to another one! the
kids LOVE making sculptures from this, letters would work too.
glue things onto outline of letter like popcorn on letter P, seeds on letter
S etc.
letter pretzels, recipe in "KinderCooking has a good one that doesn't need
to rise.
Poke holes with pushpins (Lay paper on carpet to do this)
draw letters on each others backs with finger
make fingerprints on outline of letter
FINGERPAINTING FUN
If you and your students are frustrated by fingerpaint paper that wears
and tears before youngsters have finished their artwork, you'll appreciate
this alternative. Have students fingerpaint directly on serving trays
or cafeteria trays. On a tray, a student can fingerpaint to his heart's
content without having to worry about a fragile paper surface. The
paint is usually confined to the tray, making cleanup a breeze. If
you want to preserve a copy of the artwork, press a sheet of fingerpaint
paper onto the painted design on the tray and carefully lift up the
paper.
SCISSOR PRACTICE
For cutting practice, you could have the kids cut out the supermarket
coupons from the Sunday and Wednesday newspapers. Just have
them cut on the dotted lines.
I also read where someone had a "cutting box". Have the child
sit in a large box and cut away. The scraps stay in the box!
CLOTHESPIN ART
Submitted by Marilyn
I just read this little activity in a book. Purchase colorful,
plastic spring action clothes pins. Place them on a try and
let the children grasp them to one another to form all different
and interesting creations. It is simple, cheap and great for
pincer grip, fine motor and eye-hand coordination. I purchased
two packages today in the local supermarket. they are more expensive
than the wooden clothespins, but more attractive. Make sure
they are not the flimsy, small ones. These break too easily.
SHAMPOO/GLUE DOUGH
Materials:
½ cup white glue
1/3 cup shampoo
1 ½ cups flour
Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Knead while in bowl to make a smooth dough.
3. Model the dough. Is a really great dough for the coil method.
4. Let objects dry for 1 or 2 days to finish, depending on thickness.
5. You can paint the completely dried projects.
FINE MOTOR/PRINTING
Submitted by Chris
I give each student a zip lock bag. Then depending on the theme
I have glitter or small beads. I then go around and have the
children squeeze hair gel in the bags. Blue and green work
well. I add food coloring if too light. Then I have the
children add the glitter or figures (small ones) to the goop. Then
they seal the bag with no air in it. I give then white paper
with letters or shapes we are working on to trace over with their
fingers. The students love the bags and they keep for a long
time!! You can be very creative with this idea. We did
under the sea theme and they used blue hair gel and little shark
and fish figures. I also added glitter. They still talk
about the bags.
Fingerplay Mitts
Fascinate your youngsters when performing fingerplays by donning these
special fingerplay mitts. To make a fingerplay mitt, use self-adhesive
Velcro® pieces to attach small puppet cutouts to colorful gardening
gloves.
Puppets can be easily removed and replaced with other sets as desired.
SQUISHY BAGS
Here's a good squishy bag basic. You can just use two colors to let
children discover secondary colors; you can add all kinds of things-
sequins, the tiny doodads from craft shops, tiny alphabet blocks,
etc. Remember to check that seal! i like the idea of extra
sealing tape around the bag
if the children are very vigorous squishers!
Sensory: Make squishy bags. In a saucepan, pour 1 cup cornstarch,
1/3 cup sugar, and four cups water. Cook over medium heat, stirring
frequently. The mixture will start to turn lumpy, and then thicken
into a sort of vaseline-looking product. Remove from heat and
allow to cool. Divide into 4-6 small strong ziploc storage bags.
Squirt in a few drops of food coloring in primary colors, aiming for
different areas of the bags. Press out as much air as possible, and
seal the bags. Fold a piece of duct tape over the top for added security
. Now- give to the kids, and let them squeeze and press the colors
around. The colors will blend beautifully, and the bags will last for
quite a while.
BLOCKS AND BEADS
Cardboard Rolls - Bathroom Tissue, Paper Towels,
ect... Get a lot of rolls. Cut into different lengths, leaving some
long. Cover with bright contact paper, covering over the edges a
little. Using a sharp kitchen knife, make 4 slits about 1/2 " long
on each end, cutting across with the knife so that they are even.
Older kids can use these like blocks, interlocking the slits for
stacking. Without the slits, they make great "beads" for even the
little ones to string onto a long shoelace. (Just watch so they don't
chew on them.)
Using scissors
Submitted by P. Hall
In our preschool we have the 3's and 4's use
scissors while playing with play dough. They love making ropes and
cutting them into pieces. I have them help me make a pizza out of
play dough and them I show them how to cut it so they can all have
a piece.
INCREASING FINE MOTOR SKILLS
Submitted by Momybusy
The three year olds teacher in our school has
a plastic kiddy pool with construction paper scraps. The kids sit
in it and chop up the paper with scissors into smaller and smaller
pieces. She also has well oiled hole punchers which the kids squeeze,
squeeze, squeeze to make confetti in the pool.
You can also try sewing cards, stringing beads or just
letting them sew designs on plastic craft canvas using that plastic lacing.
have them sort things with tweezers or clothespins. Sort
little colored pom poms into an ice cube tray. Put out little pictures of chickens
(or turkeys) and have them pick up corn kernels and feed 5 to each turkey.
Put out a collection of clothespins (wooden, colored
plastic, miniature, etc.) and have them clip them to those wire organizer shelves--
all the wooden ones to one wire, all the blue to another wire, etc.
Cut holes in a coffee can lid and put it back on the
can. Then have them put poker chips, marbles, etc. through the hole into the
can.
Play dough is great, and clay is good when their fingers
have gotten stronger. You can also have them screw nuts and bolts together.
My boys loved that. A word of caution: try the larger objects first until you
know if your kids are likely to put things in their mouths. Some years I can
do these things, but other years I have had to wait till mid-year to use smaller
objects because I had a few mouthers in my class.
CUTTING
Submitted by Brenda
I would like to share something that I do with
my kinders in regard to cutting. I tell them that their scissors
are cars and the black line on their paper is the road. They have
to drive their cars on the road just like mom and dad do. I joke
with them about staying off the grass and keeping on the road. I
usually have a few children that like to keep asking, stay on the
road, right?
FINE MOTOR SKILLS
Submitted by Susi
These may not be new ideas, but why try and
reinvent the wheel? LOL....
1. Play dough is great is strengthening little finger
muscles. Try letting the kids cut the play dough with scissors.
2. Clothespins, have them clip them on anything they
can, and then unclip them.
3. Stringing beads, spools, straws, etc.
4. Picking up small pieces of paper or other little safe
items using their fingers.
Hope these help!
Fine motor activities
Submitted by Marilyn
This is a good way to help the children to
use not only their fingers, but grasping with their palms. Take
plastic jars in all different sizes.( I like the new Campbell soup
plastic jars) Place a variety of different sizes of jars and
lids on the table or on a tray. Then have the children try
to match lid to jar and use their fine motor skills to screw the
lids onto the jars. Also, purchase large nuts and bolts from
your hardware store and allow the children to put them together. (Make
sure that the child is old enough not to put them into their mouth)
Take a large piece of styrofoam packing. (or give
each child a separate piece) Then supply plastic hammers and colorful
golf tees. The children LOVE to hammer the tees into the styrofoam and
then have to use their pincher grip to pull them out.
Fine Motor and Sensory Bag
Submitted by Peg
Here's an idea the lady at our local Teacher
Supply Store told me she discovered by accident. Sounded great so
thought I'd share it with you all. Get a ziploc and fill it with
colored hair gel. Use the colored foam you can get a craft stores
and cut out shapes of fish, stars, anything. Put shapes in baggie.
Tape bag closed. Children can squeeze it and the smell of the hair
gel comes through. Good for all ages.
EXTENSION OF BAGS
Submitted by Gail
I do this throughout the year and the kids
love it. I shampoo when it's on sale. (I often get White Rain, Suave,
etc. FREE with coupons and a sale! : ) I just picked
up some green apple, coconut and strawberry scented shampoos the
other day. It's a great fine motor and sensory activity. I vary the
color and scents and add items according to the theme or season.
For example for Halloween, I add plastic spiders. I've added
glitter, etc. The children LOVE it! Sometimes I only add the
shampoo and have the children "write" the first initial of
their name with their fingers.
It is VERY important to tape the bag. I have had "leaks".
I also have found that you can't smell through the "freezer" bags, but you
can through the "storage" bags. They must be more porous.
Small Motor
Submitted by Margie
LACING OUR LANGUAGE !!
Objective: to enhance children's specific
development in each of the following domains:
Physical: Hands and fingers
Social: Solitary or Parallel Play
Cognitive: One-One Correspondence
Language: Reading Enjoyment & Writing Awareness
Affective: Perseverance and Active Involvement
Creative: Risk Taking
Materials: Lids or tops w/print from various containers...ie:
Butter, Cottage Cheese, egg cartons, Greeting cards, cereal/pasta/cookie boxes
etc. Hole Puncher Different colors of yarn Masking
tape.
Prep: Hole punch around the edges of each
top/lid. Depending on the age and ability, punch the holes close
together or further apart!! Wrap masking tape around
end of a piece of yarn to be used for lacing the lids/tops.
Invite children to try something new, by lacing
the new cards you have made, talk about the print, colors etc. !!!!
The children enjoy choosing the lids they want
to use...and if something happens to them.....No problem...! :)
Laminating Film Leftovers
Submitted by Elaine
Found the perfect usage for all that leftover
laminating film! We finger-painted on it today and they look nice!!!!!
Wow! So simple; so plentiful! Wish I discovered it sooner!
Cardboard "Castle"
Submitted by Kathy
A great creation for young preschoolers. Use
paper towel tubes etc. and build a structure on a flat piece of cardboard.
As seasons change the children can paint with various colors such
as orange for Fall, red for Christmas, green for St Patricks Day,
etc. The children call it their castle and will ask to paint
it. You can add turkeys, and other seasonal decorations and
create an attractive center piece. This structure sits on a
table all year and is always accessible. Several children can
paint at the same time. An activity which stimulates cooperative and
social interacting as well as well as facilitating motor development
and creativity
FINE MOTOR ACTIVITY FOR LETTER RECOGNITION
Submitted by Jenny
My Kindergartners and I have found a great
way to practice letters or numbers AND clean the tables at the same
time . . . shaving cream. It will not stain clothes, it smells
good and it is an excellent motivation for recognition skills!!!
HINT: Only squirt a small amount per child
- a little goes a long way!!!
SANTA FINGER PLAY
Here is the chimney (make fist, enclose
thumb)
Here is the top (place
palm on top of fist)
Open the lid (remove
top hand)
and out Santa will pop. (pop up thumb)
SHY SANTA
Isn't it the strangest thing,
That Santa is so shy? (hide
face with hands)
We can never, never catch him, (make fingers run)
No matter how we try.
It isn't any use to watch, (hold hand to eyes
and look)
Because my parents said,
"Santa Claus will only come
When children are in bed!" (shake finger)
Finger Rhyme
Submitted by Sandra
One , two, three, here's little me,
Counting on my fingers, Hee, hee, hee.
Four, five , six, this one sticks...
Getting in a muddle now, getting in a fix.
Seven, eight, nine, there, that's fine.
No need to worry now, no need to whine.
Here comes ten, trying not to giggle.
Put them all together now and give them a wiggle.
OR
This one here is number ten.
Put them all down and start again.
Title: Finger Song
Submitted by Emily
Tune: ABC Song
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 fingertips
I can touch them to my lips
I can cover up my eyes
I can clap them on my thighs
Now lets' do the other hand
Are you sure you understand?
Title: Pointy Fingers
Submitted by Peg
a fingerplay
Two pointy fingers I can show(Hold up both index fingers.)
Way up high or way down low. (Hold index fingers high & low.)
With my right, I point to my toe. (Right index toward toe.)
With my left, I show where to go.(Point to left.)
Two pointy fingers I can show (Hold up both index fingers.)
To show you things that I know!(Point straight ahead, then to head.)
Pairs
a fingerplay
Two things make a pair.(Hold up two fingers.)
And on me, I'll show you where.(Point to self.)
I have two ears, and I have two eyes. (Point to ear and eyes.)
Both are important to make me wise!
I have two holes in my nose.(Point to nose.)
That lets me smell a beautiful rose.(Pretend to smell a rose.)
I have two hands that clap a beat.(Clap hands to underlined words.)
I have two feet that are really neat!(Jump when saying the word neat!)
Finger Rhyme
Submitted by Sandra
One , two, three, here's little me,
Counting on my fingers, Hee, hee, hee.
Four, five , six, this one sticks...
Getting in a muddle now, getting in a fix.
Seven, eight, nine, there, that's fine.
No need to worry now, no need to whine.
Here comes ten, trying not to giggle.
Put them all together now and give them a wiggle.
OR
This one here is number ten.
Put them all down and start again
Animals Underground Fingerplay
Submitted by Sandra
Have fun reinforcing the fact that some animals live underground
by teaching your youngsters this fingerplay.
Here is the mole that lives underground. - Close eyes and put hands
under your chin.
Here are the ants in their underground town. - Use fingers on one hand to show
ants "scurrying" on back of other hand.
Here is the mouse in her warm little den. - Wrap arms around torso.
Here are the worms and there are ten. - Hold hands up and wiggle ten fingers.
Here is the turtle where he likes to hide. - Make a fist (turtle's shell) and
wiggle thumb (turtle's head).
Here are the toads sitting side by side. - Place two closed fists side by side.
All of these creatures live underground. - Point to the ground.
Look very closely or they'll never be found! - Make "binoculars" with hands
and place them in front of eyes.
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