Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the body that enable such functions as writing, grasping small objects, and fastening clothing. They develop as the neurological system matures. The level of development of fine motor control in children is used to determine the developmental age of the child.

Fine motor control requires awareness and planning to complete a task. It also requires muscle strength, coordination, and normal sensation. Tasks such as stacking blocks, cutting out shapes with scissors, drawing lines or circles, tearing paper, buttoning a button, and holding and writing with a pencil can occur only if the nervous system matures properly. Your child’s fine motor development is a very important part of their physical skill set. He or she needs to learn to use their hands in order to manipulate toys and to acquire self-help skills such as feeding and dressing.

Play is a child's "work" and is a very important part of their physical development. Babies and young children need to have ample opportunity to play.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, enjoy these craft ideas that will promote fine motor development with your toddler!

Tracing/Writing:

Tracing

Threading:

Bead Threading

Necklace

Sewing Craft

Cutting:

Gluing:

Heart Puppets

The Letter V

Heart Fish

Tissue Paper Heart

Tissue Paper

Painting:

Tree Painting

Painting a Sun Catcher

Heart Tree

Tying:

Arrows

Heart Dream Catchers

Play Dough:

Play Dough