Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are the ability to coordinate movements between hands, fingers, and eyes. They are needed for things such as coloring, writing, cutting, tying shoelaces, buttoning shirts, zipping coats, and many daily tasks.

• Dominant handedness is established or close to being established
• Manipulates playdoh/clay-like material (rolls balls, makes snakes, etc.)
• Snips paper using scissors (though correct grasp may need work depending on age)
• Traces shapes such as a square
• Traces letters/numbers, perhaps doing some independently
• Tracing their name
• Builds tower of blocks
• Beginning to dresses and undresses independently- most (especially young preschool age) still need help with zippers, buttons, and snaps

Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills are the ability to coordinate movements using the whole body. The large muscles of the body, including core muscles are used in these skills. Things like jumping, running, kicking, and throwing a ball are examples.

• Running with good control
• Walking up and down stairs with alternating feet
• Waling on tip toes
• Jumping with 2 feet together multiple times in a row
• Climbing on playground equipment and ladders
• Pedaling a tricycle
• Throwing a ball (or other type object) overarm
• Catching a ball using body and arms

Social Skills

Social skills are skills that we use every day as we interact with others and includes communicating. Even non-verbal communication like body language and facial expressions fall into the category of social skills. Knowing how to act in social situations can be tricky for young children. As they grow and have more experiences with people of all ages, these skills will mature and make it easier for them to have positive interactions with others.

• Playing pretend that reflects real life situations
• Greater interest in playing group games
• Able to follow simple game rules
• Able to play cooperatively with peers
• Turn taking and negotiating improve

Your Homework:

What’s a homeschool blog without a little homework?

• Identify any area where your 3-5 year old child needs help in development
• Pick one area
• Write out your plan to help them achieve this developmental step (this could be anything from daily practice to talking with their pediatrician)