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		<title>10 Favorite Toys for Fine Motor Skills</title>
		<link>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/26/10-favorite-toys-for-fine-motor-skills/</link>
		<comments>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/26/10-favorite-toys-for-fine-motor-skills/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:30:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Developing Fine Motor Skills]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[fine-motor skills]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[While I try to set up frugal  fine motor skills activities from common household items as often as I can, there are times that we purchase items, receive them as gifts, or even dig them out of our own childhood closets for fine motor fun. I thought I&#8217;d share some of our favorites with you! [...]<p><a href="/2012/10/26/10-favorite-toys-for-fine-motor-skills/">10 Favorite Toys for Fine Motor Skills</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/24/100-household-items-for-fine-motor-skills/' rel='bookmark' title='100 Household Items for Fine Motor Skills'>100 Household Items for Fine Motor Skills</a></li>
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				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5079" title="10 Favorite Toys for Fine Motor Skills" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Favorite-Toys-header.jpg" alt="10 Favorite Toys for Fine Motor Skills" width="350" height="350" /></p>
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While I try to set up frugal  fine motor skills activities from <a title="100 Household Items for Fine Motor Skills" href="/2012/10/24/100-household-items-for-fine-motor-skills/" target="_blank">common household items</a> as often as I can, there are times that we purchase items, receive them as gifts, or even dig them out of our own childhood closets for fine motor fun. I thought I&#8217;d share some of our favorites with you!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IV8F/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000IV8F&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00000IV8F&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000IV8F" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IV8F/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000IV8F&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Lauri Toys Primer Pack</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000IV8F" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> is one of my favorites because it comes with several activities in one box that can be used in a variety of ways. <a title="Lauri Toys" href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=Lauri&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;tag=happy04-20&amp;url=search-alias%3Daps">Lauri Toys</a> are some of my favorites. They are made of soft rubber so they don&#8217;t make noise and you can request replacement pieces if you lose a piece.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00168CPQM/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00168CPQM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00168CPQM&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00168CPQM" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00168CPQM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00168CPQM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Alex Toys Learn to Dress Monkey</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00168CPQM" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> has eleven self dressing activities on the stuffed animal. Kids will learn to snap, sip, button, tie, and more~all skills they need for the rest of their life.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NVBE1A/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000NVBE1A&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B000NVBE1A&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000NVBE1A" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
We love the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NVBE1A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000NVBE1A&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Melissa &amp; Doug Deluxe Latches Board</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000NVBE1A" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" />! Curious fingers love to explore the latches, locks, and clasps to see the hidden surprise.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000J0HG/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000J0HG&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00000J0HG&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000J0HG" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000J0HG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000J0HG&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Etch A Sketch</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000J0HG" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> is a classic, but it really does promote fine motor movements! Kids are drawn to the &#8220;magical&#8221; pictures that appear and manipulating the knobs.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IW3G/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000IW3G&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00000IW3G&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000IW3G" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IW3G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000IW3G&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Mr. Potato Head</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000IW3G" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> is out often at our house. We have a tub full of Disney character pieces we purchased on a trip to Disney a few years ago and they still make a weekly appearance on Jonah&#8217;s bedroom floor. Kids love to make up silly characters, but what I love about Mr. Potato Head is the open-ended play and fine motor skills it encourages.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000205X3/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0000205X3&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B0000205X3&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0000205X3" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000205X3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0000205X3&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Ker Plunk</a> makes Jonah sit on the edge of his seat in anticipation for the marbles to drop and then startles him when they finally do. It keeps us laughing as we give our fingers a workout.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009KX2L/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00009KX2L&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00009KX2L&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00009KX2L" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
When I was a little girl, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009KX2L/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00009KX2L&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Perfection</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00009KX2L" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> would make me so mad because I could never beat the timer, but then I became a grown-up with a small obsession with fine motor skills and my attitude changed. We found Daddy&#8217;s old game at his grandmother&#8217;s house and let Jonah play a modified version. He places the shapes in the holes and then sets the timer to watch them pop out as a reward when he&#8217;s finished. He thinks it is hilarious. Try it with your preschooler and see what they think!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IWDQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000IWDQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00000IWDQ&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000IWDQ" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
We play <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IWDQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000IWDQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Ants in the Pants</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000IWDQ" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> often around here, too. Sometimes Jonah likes to just play with the ants and see how far he can make them jump. Maybe another reason he likes this game so much is because he beats me every single time.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005RF5G/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00005RF5G&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00005RF5G&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00005RF5G" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
Little Asher can often be found exploring the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005RF5G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00005RF5G&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Melissa &amp; Doug Shape Sorting Cube</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00005RF5G" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" />. While he can&#8217;t match up the shapes on his own yet, he loves for me to show him where to place them and then claps every time.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NO9GT4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000NO9GT4&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B000NO9GT4&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000NO9GT4" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
Jonah received a set of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NO9GT4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000NO9GT4&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">LEGO Ultimate Building Set</a> for his birthday and now he&#8217;s got Lego Fever. I&#8217;ve joined the ranks of moms who are diligently checking the floor for lost pieces and praying the toddler doesn&#8217;t find them first. There is no denying it&#8211;legos are perfect for fine motor skills!</p>
<h3>What would be on your list?</h3>
<p><strong>This post is a part of the 10 day series, <a title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series" href="/category/blog-series/developing-fine-motor-skills/">Developing Fine Motor Skills</a>. This series is part of the <a title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network Hopscotch</a>. To see the list of the topics from the other bloggers, visit <a title="iHomeschool Network" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network</a>. There are some fantastic topics and giveaways!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4774" title="Hopscotch with iHomeschool Network" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hopscotch-with-iHN.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="223" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Don&#8217;t want to miss a post in the series? Subscribe by <a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HappyBrownHouse&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a title="Subscribe by RSS feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/HappyBrownHouse">RSS</a>. Follow us on <a title="Happy Brown House on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/happybrownhouse">Facebook</a> or <a title="Happy Brown House on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/happybrownhouse">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p><a href="/2012/10/26/10-favorite-toys-for-fine-motor-skills/">10 Favorite Toys for Fine Motor Skills</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/24/100-household-items-for-fine-motor-skills/' rel='bookmark' title='100 Household Items for Fine Motor Skills'>100 Household Items for Fine Motor Skills</a></li>
</ol></p>
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		<title>The Natural Next Step~Writing</title>
		<link>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/25/the-natural-next-step-writing/</link>
		<comments>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/25/the-natural-next-step-writing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:33:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Developing Fine Motor Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Ultimately, the goal of developing fine motors skills is for children to be able to function in everyday tasks. One of the natural next steps after strengthening little fingers is to use the skills through writing. Writing is a big piece of the fine motor puzzle. Set them up for success Hopefully, I&#8217;ve convinced you [...]<p><a href="/2012/10/25/the-natural-next-step-writing/">The Natural Next Step~Writing</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
<div class='yarpp-related-rss'>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/' rel='bookmark' title='What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?'>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>Ultimately, the goal of developing fine motors skills is for children to be able to function in everyday tasks. One of the natural next steps after strengthening little fingers is to use the skills through writing. Writing is a big piece of the fine motor puzzle.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5049" title="writing" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/writing1-e1351145641399.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="450" /></p>
<h2>Set them up for success</h2>
<p>Hopefully, I&#8217;ve convinced you that providing opportunities for your child to develop fine motor skills are important and worthy of your time. I believe that giving them a chance to practice basic fine motor movements in a fun way is better than handing them a pencil and expecting results before they are ready. I believe that providing opportunities for developing fine motor skills is setting them up for success.</p>
<h2>Teach Proper Pencil Grip</h2>
<p>Don&#8217;t be one of those folks that says, &#8220;Oh, they&#8217;ll figure it out. I don&#8217;t want to push the pencil.&#8221; How are they supposed to know how to hold a pencil if you don&#8217;t show them? Gently guiding their fingers to the correct pencil grip is important. If they learn how to grip the pencil incorrectly and are allowed to continue without correction, it is a hard habit to break once they start school. After they&#8217;ve been shown the correct grip, gentle reminders are appropriate. It may require you to do some &#8220;hand-over-hand&#8221; instruction (where you physically help them get their pencil grip correct), but I think with time, they will start to get the hang of it.</p>
<h2>Provide a Variety of Writing Materials</h2>
<p>I&#8217;m a firm believer that children need the chance to practice with many tools. By providing a variety of interesting writing materials, I think they will naturally be interested in using them&#8230;which leads to them holding their pencil more often.  A basket full of fun paper, notepads, and writing tools are irresistible! There&#8217;s no rule that says writing has to be boring. Try using the magic slates, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C3F3TI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B005C3F3TI&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">magna doodle</a>, salt tray, etc. for a fun alternative to paper.</p>
<h2>Go small</h2>
<p>Try giving your child a golf pencil, broken crayon/chalk, or <a title="Crayon Rocks" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RBH18Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002RBH18Y&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20" target="_blank">crayon rocks</a> for a twist on the traditional. The smaller size of these items naturally requires children to use the correct pencil grip because there is less surface area.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RBH18Y/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002RBH18Y&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B002RBH18Y&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002RBH18Y" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p>
<p><strong>This post is a part of the 10 day series, <a title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series" href="/category/blog-series/developing-fine-motor-skills/">Developing Fine Motor Skills</a>. This series is part of the <a title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network Hopscotch</a>. To see the list of the topics from the other bloggers, visit <a title="iHomeschool Network" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network</a>. There are some fantastic topics and giveaways!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4774" title="Hopscotch with iHomeschool Network" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hopscotch-with-iHN.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="223" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Don&#8217;t want to miss a post in the series? Subscribe by <a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HappyBrownHouse&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a title="Subscribe by RSS feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/HappyBrownHouse">RSS</a>. Follow us on <a title="Happy Brown House on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/happybrownhouse">Facebook</a> or <a title="Happy Brown House on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/happybrownhouse">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p><a href="/2012/10/25/the-natural-next-step-writing/">The Natural Next Step~Writing</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
<div class="shr-publisher-5035"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fhappybrownhouse.com%2F2012%2F10%2F25%2Fthe-natural-next-step-writing%2F' data-shr_title='The+Natural+Next+Step%7EWriting'></a><a class='shareaholic-fbsend' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fhappybrownhouse.com%2F2012%2F10%2F25%2Fthe-natural-next-step-writing%2F'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fhappybrownhouse.com%2F2012%2F10%2F25%2Fthe-natural-next-step-writing%2F' data-shr_title='The+Natural+Next+Step%7EWriting'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='horizontal' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fhappybrownhouse.com%2F2012%2F10%2F25%2Fthe-natural-next-step-writing%2F' data-shr_title='The+Natural+Next+Step%7EWriting'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div class='yarpp-related-rss'>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/' rel='bookmark' title='What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?'>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing</a></li>
</ol></p>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>100 Household Items for Fine Motor Skills</title>
		<link>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/24/100-household-items-for-fine-motor-skills/</link>
		<comments>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/24/100-household-items-for-fine-motor-skills/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:30:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Developing Fine Motor Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fine-motor skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mommy & Me]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mommy&me]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool activities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://happybrownhouse.com/?p=4875</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To you it may look like just another utensil drawer, but your house is full of tools to develop your child&#8217;s fine motor skills. Kids love to use these tools because they are &#8220;grown-up&#8221; tools and often &#8220;off-limits,&#8221; but I&#8217;m a believer in allowing our children to practice and explore while supervised. I&#8217;ve found that [...]<p><a href="/2012/10/24/100-household-items-for-fine-motor-skills/">100 Household Items for Fine Motor Skills</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
<div class='yarpp-related-rss'>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5028" title="100 Household Items for Fine Motor Skills from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012-10-015.jpg" alt="100 Household Items for Fine Motor Skills from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="500" height="500" /></p>
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<p>To you it may look like just another utensil drawer, but your house is full of tools to develop your child&#8217;s fine motor skills. Kids love to use these tools because they are &#8220;grown-up&#8221; tools and often &#8220;off-limits,&#8221; but I&#8217;m a believer in allowing our children to practice and explore while supervised. I&#8217;ve found that when I trust kids to use grown-up tools (after proper training), they usually rise to the occasion. Sure, the tape may be wrinkled and the yarn might be twisted in a knot, but if we never let them try, they&#8217;ll never have a chance to succeed.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve compiled a list of items from my home that we have used to help develop fine motor skills. Some of the items listed are the main tool, others are items that we used in combination with the main tool. For example, I&#8217;ve listed coffee filters. We&#8217;ve used these for <a title="Coffee Filter Snowflakes" href="/2012/01/23/mommy-me-coffee-filter-snowflakes/" target="_blank">cutting snowflakes</a> during the winter and for <a title="Spray Bottle Art" href="/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/" target="_blank">spray bottle art</a>. Either way, I hope this list encourages you to look at your house in a new way and see the potential for fine motor fun in the ordinary.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4894" title="DIY Chopstick Tongs and pom pom transfer from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/homemade-tongs-and-pom-poms.jpg" alt="DIY Chopstick Tongs and pom pom transfer from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="301" /></p>
<h2>In the Kitchen</h2>
<ul>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting" href="/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/" target="_blank">Tongs</a></li>
<li>Wisk</li>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting" href="/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/" target="_blank">Garlic Press</a></li>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting" href="/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/" target="_blank">Cookie Scoop</a></li>
<li>Pizza Cutter</li>
<li>Toothpicks</li>
<li>Colander</li>
<li>Chip Clip</li>
<li>Ice Cube Trays</li>
<li>Can Opener</li>
<li>Corn Cob Holders</li>
<li>Skewers</li>
<li>Vegetable Peeler</li>
<li>Straws</li>
<li>Pasta</li>
<li>Measuring Cups/Spoons</li>
<li>Funnel</li>
<li>Ziploc Bags</li>
<li>Foil</li>
<li>Plastic Cling Wrap</li>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching" href="/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/" target="_blank">Contact Paper</a></li>
<li>Recycled containers</li>
<li><a title="Mommy &amp; Me: Coffee Filter Snowflakes" href="/2012/01/23/mommy-me-coffee-filter-snowflakes/" target="_blank">Coffee Filters</a></li>
<li>Cookie Cutters</li>
<li>Rolling Pin</li>
<li>Silverware</li>
<li>Ice Cube Trays</li>
<li>Muffin Tins</li>
<li>Cookie Cooling Rack</li>
<li>Toothpicks</li>
</ul>
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4920" title="Piggy Bank Fine Motor Skills practice from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/piggy-bank.jpg" alt="Piggy Bank Fine Motor Skills practice from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="400" height="400" /></h2>
<h2>Laundry Room</h2>
<ul>
<li>Clothespins</li>
<li>Dustpan</li>
<li>Hand Broom</li>
<li>Squirt Bottle</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4974" title="Twisting nuts and bolts for fine motor skills practice from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/173-001.jpg" alt="Twisting nuts and bolts for fine motor skills practice from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="300" /></p>
<h2>Garage/Toolbox</h2>
<ul>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting" href="/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/" target="_blank">Screwdriver</a></li>
<li><a title="Pound the Sound: a sensory sound game for preschoolers" href="/2012/06/20/pound-the-sound-a-sensory-sound-game-for-preschoolers/" target="_blank">Hammer</a> (small lightweight hammer or a plastic toy hammer)</li>
<li>Pliers</li>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting" href="/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/" target="_blank">Nuts/Bolts</a></li>
<li>Paintbrush</li>
<li>Measuring Tape</li>
<li>Fishing Pole</li>
</ul>
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4891" title="Using hole punches to develop fine motor skills @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/number-punch.jpg" alt="Using hole punches to develop fine motor skills @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="270" /></h2>
<h2>Office</h2>
<ul>
<li>Paper</li>
<li>Post-it Notes</li>
<li>Paper Clips</li>
<li>Bulldog Clips</li>
<li>Rubber Bands</li>
<li>Tape Dispenser</li>
<li>Stapler</li>
<li>Staple Remover</li>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting" href="/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/" target="_blank">Hole Punch</a></li>
<li>Letter Opener</li>
<li>3 -Ring Notebooks (opening and closing them)</li>
<li>Folders (manipulating 3-prongs)</li>
</ul>
<h2> <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4903" title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/cut.jpg" alt="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="290" /></h2>
<h2>Bathroom</h2>
<ul>
<li>Tweezers</li>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching" href="/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/" target="_blank">Medicine Dropper</a></li>
<li>Sponge Rollers (<a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing" href="/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/" target="_blank">mini pool noodle lacing beads</a>)</li>
<li>Cotton Balls</li>
<li>Q-tips</li>
<li>Recycled Hairspray Bottle (the pump kind, not aerosal)</li>
<li>Hair Clips</li>
<li>Bobby Pins</li>
</ul>
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4954" title="DIY Lacing/Sewing Cards from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/772-001.jpg" alt="DIY Lacing/Sewing Cards from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="301" /></h2>
<h2>Craft Cabinet</h2>
<ul>
<li>Pipe Cleaners</li>
<li><a title="10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough" href="/2012/10/16/10-ways-to-boost-the-power-of-playdough/">Playdough</a></li>
<li>Paintbrush</li>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting" href="/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/" target="_blank">Squirt Bottle</a></li>
<li>Stickers</li>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting" href="/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/" target="_blank">Scissors</a></li>
<li>Pom Poms</li>
<li>Scrapbook Punches</li>
<li>Plastic Needle</li>
<li>Plastic Canvas</li>
<li>Embroidery Hoop</li>
<li>Zipper</li>
<li>Pins/Pincushion</li>
<li>Yarn</li>
<li>Markers</li>
<li>Colored Pencils</li>
<li>Crayons</li>
<li>Chalk</li>
<li>Watercolors</li>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing" href="/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/" target="_blank">Paper</a></li>
<li>Tissue Paper</li>
<li>Ribbon</li>
</ul>
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4946" title="Ribbon Weaving activity for preschoolers from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/116-1.jpg" alt="Ribbon Weaving activity for preschoolers from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="400" height="317" /></h2>
<h2>Miscellaneous</h2>
<ul>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing" href="/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/" target="_blank">Pool Noodles</a></li>
<li><a title="Plastic Links" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00374J6H4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00374J6H4&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20" target="_blank">Plastic Links</a></li>
<li>Bubble Packaging Wrap</li>
<li><a title="Lite Brite Toy" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CF8R0I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=happy04-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000CF8R0I" target="_blank">Light Brite Toy</a></li>
<li><a title="Pound The Sound Game" href="/2012/06/20/pound-the-sound-a-sensory-sound-game-for-preschoolers/" target="_blank">Golf Tees</a></li>
<li><a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching" href="/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/" target="_blank">Piggy Bank</a></li>
<li>Legos/Building Blocks</li>
<li>Combination Lock/Padlock</li>
<li>Puzzles</li>
<li><a title="Lacing Shapes" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IV8B/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000IV8B&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20" target="_blank">Lacing Shapes</a></li>
<li>Chalkboard</li>
<li>Easel</li>
<li>Styrofoam</li>
<li>Bubbles/Wands</li>
<li>Used Clothing (practice fastening zippers, buttons, belts, etc.)</li>
<li>Computer Keyboard</li>
<li>Computer Mouse</li>
</ul>
<p>What else would you add to the list?</p>
<p><strong>This post is a part of the 10 day series, <a title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series" href="/category/blog-series/developing-fine-motor-skills/">Developing Fine Motor Skills</a>. This series is part of the <a title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network Hopscotch</a>. To see the list of the topics from the other bloggers, visit <a title="iHomeschool Network" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network</a>. There are some fantastic topics and giveaways!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4774" title="Hopscotch with iHomeschool Network" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hopscotch-with-iHN.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="223" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Don&#8217;t want to miss a post in the series? Subscribe by <a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HappyBrownHouse&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a title="Subscribe by RSS feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/HappyBrownHouse">RSS</a>. Follow us on <a title="Happy Brown House on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/happybrownhouse">Facebook</a> or <a title="Happy Brown House on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/happybrownhouse">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p><a href="/2012/10/24/100-household-items-for-fine-motor-skills/">100 Household Items for Fine Motor Skills</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching</a></li>
</ol></p>
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		<title>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting</title>
		<link>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/</link>
		<comments>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:30:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Developing Fine Motor Skills]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[fine-motor skills]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[preschool]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://happybrownhouse.com/?p=4972</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Twisting items is a tricky little skill that we depend upon most often when opening containers. It is a life skill, really~you have to be able to open the milk jug or the peanut butter jar to quiet your growling stomach. Without the twisting skill, we&#8217;d all be walking around really hungry. Twisting Station Repurpose [...]<p><a href="/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/">Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<li><a href='/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting</a></li>
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]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4766" title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Developing-Fine-Motor-Skills-Series.jpg" alt="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="428" height="361" /></p>
<p>Twisting items is a tricky little skill that we depend upon most often when opening containers. It is a life skill, really~you have to be able to open the milk jug or the peanut butter jar to quiet your growling stomach. Without the twisting skill, we&#8217;d all be walking around really hungry.</p>
<h2>Twisting Station</h2>
<p>Repurpose a few empty water bottles, juice containers, jars, etc. by setting up a Twisting Station. Allow children to practice opening and closing the containers. To make it a little more fun, provide objects to place inside the containers. Or, better yet, add the Twisting Station containers to the sensory tub. Provide some scoops and funnels for them to fill up the containers with the <a title="Rainbow Rice" href="/2010/10/19/mommy-me-rainbow-rice/">rainbow rice</a>, beans, etc. and let them go!</p>
<h2>Nuts &amp; Bolts</h2>
<p>Gather nuts &amp; bolts for your little one to practice twisting. If you provide several sizes, your child will have to math up the correct nut and bolt before twisting. This is trickier than it looks for little hands!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4974" title="Twisting nuts and bolts for fine motor skills practice from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/173-001.jpg" alt="Twisting nuts and bolts for fine motor skills practice from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="300" /></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4975" title="Twisting nuts and bolts~fine motor skills @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/191-001.jpg" alt="Twisting nuts and bolts~fine motor skills @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="240" /></p>
<h2>Screwdrivers</h2>
<p>Similar to using <a href="/2012/06/20/pound-the-sound-a-sensory-sound-game-for-preschoolers/">styrofoam for hammering practice</a>, why not let your child practice using a screwdriver with styrofoam? My son gives this activity two thumbs-up. He&#8217;s a big fan of using Daddy&#8217;s tools!</p>
<p><strong>This post is a part of the 10 day series, <a title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series" href="/category/blog-series/developing-fine-motor-skills/">Developing Fine Motor Skills</a>. This series is part of the <a title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network Hopscotch</a>. To see the list of the topics from the other bloggers, visit <a title="iHomeschool Network" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network</a>. There are some fantastic topics and giveaways!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4774" title="Hopscotch with iHomeschool Network" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hopscotch-with-iHN.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="223" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Don&#8217;t want to miss a post in the series? Subscribe by <a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HappyBrownHouse&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a title="Subscribe by RSS feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/HappyBrownHouse">RSS</a>. Follow us on <a title="Happy Brown House on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/happybrownhouse">Facebook</a> or <a title="Happy Brown House on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/happybrownhouse">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p><a href="/2012/10/23/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-twisting/">Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Twisting</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<li><a href='/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting</a></li>
</ol></p>
</div>
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		<title>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing</title>
		<link>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/</link>
		<comments>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:30:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Developing Fine Motor Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fine-motor skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mommy & Me]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[preschool activities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://happybrownhouse.com/?p=4939</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Lacing is a classic fine motor activity for preschoolers. Manipulating the string in and out of the holes takes a lot of effort for little fingers. It strengthens dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and the pincer grasp. Sometimes this activity can be frustrating for them when the string falls out of the hole before they can grab [...]<p><a href="/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/">Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<li><a href='/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting</a></li>
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</ol>
</div>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4873" title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Developing-Fine-Motor-Skills-Series1.jpg" alt="" width="428" height="361" /></p>
<p>Lacing is a classic fine motor activity for preschoolers. Manipulating the string in and out of the holes takes a lot of effort for little fingers. It strengthens dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and the pincer grasp. Sometimes this activity can be frustrating for them when the string falls out of the hole before they can grab it with the other hand; it builds patience and perseverance.</p>
<h2>Pool Noodle Lacing</h2>
<p>Last summer I cut up pool noodles to make giant foam beads for Jonah to practice lacing. I added letters and numbers to the beads to help target certain learning skills we were focusing on during our school time. He had an easier time lacing with the larger pool noodle beads than the smaller beads we had tried in the past. If you have a young preschooler, the large beads may be a great starting place for your child. The foam beads are easier to manipulate because they don&#8217;t roll around as much and the holes are larger for the string. (You can see the full tutorial I wrote over at <a title="Pool Noodle Lacing" href="http://totallytots.blogspot.com/2011/07/simply-made-pool-noodle-bead-games.html" target="_blank">Totally Tots</a>.)</p>
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4945" title="Pool Noodle Lacing Beads from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/067-1.jpg" alt="Pool Noodle Lacing Beads from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="400" height="331" />Ribbon Weaving</h2>
<p>One of Jonah&#8217;s favorite things to do when he was three years old was Ribbon Weaving with a cookie cooling rack. It was so easy to set up that he could set it up himself! We stored all of the ribbon pieces in a bag in the activity cabinet, so he could pull it out whenever he wanted. For older children, have them create a pattern with their ribbons.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4946" title="Ribbon Weaving activity for preschoolers from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/116-1.jpg" alt="Ribbon Weaving activity for preschoolers from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="400" height="317" /></p>
<h2> Lacing Cards</h2>
<p>Lacing cards are easy to make. Basically, you need something with holes and a string. You can use <a href="http://totallytots.blogspot.com/2010/09/simply-made-lacing-tools.html" target="_blank">toilet paper rolls</a>, recycled cardboard or cereal boxes, plastic baskets with holes, and more to make free lacing activities. Use your imagination!</p>
<p>I made lacing cards using plastic canvas from the craft store. To make the activity a little more advanced, I introduced a plastic sewing needle for Jonah to explore &#8220;sewing&#8221; with yarn. He had fun with this, but also found it much more challenging.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4953" title="DIY Sewing/Lacing Cards from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/758-001.jpg" alt="DIY Sewing/Lacing Cards from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="311" /></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4954" title="DIY Lacing/Sewing Cards from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/772-001.jpg" alt="DIY Lacing/Sewing Cards from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="301" /></p>
<h2>Other Lacing Tools We Use and Love</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JZCR/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00006JZCR&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00006JZCR&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00006JZCR" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JZCR/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00006JZCR&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Melissa &amp; Doug Primary Lacing Beads</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00006JZCR" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NNNXP8/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000NNNXP8&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B000NNNXP8&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000NNNXP8" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NNNXP8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000NNNXP8&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Lauri Toys Dot-2-Dot Lacing Shapes</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000NNNXP8" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00097C2QO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00097C2QO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00097C2QO&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00097C2QO" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00097C2QO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00097C2QO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Lauri Toys Lace and Link Letters (Uppercase)</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00097C2QO" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007LQGTQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0007LQGTQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B0007LQGTQ&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0007LQGTQ" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007LQGTQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0007LQGTQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Lauri Toys Lace and Link Letters (lowercase)</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0007LQGTQ" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p>
<p><strong>This post is a part of the 10 day series, <a title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series" href="/category/blog-series/developing-fine-motor-skills/">Developing Fine Motor Skills</a>. This series is part of the <a title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network Hopscotch</a>. To see the list of the topics from the other bloggers, visit <a title="iHomeschool Network" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network</a>. There are some fantastic topics and giveaways!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4774" title="Hopscotch with iHomeschool Network" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hopscotch-with-iHN.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="223" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Don&#8217;t want to miss a post in the series? Subscribe by <a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HappyBrownHouse&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a title="Subscribe by RSS feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/HappyBrownHouse">RSS</a>. Follow us on <a title="Happy Brown House on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/happybrownhouse">Facebook</a> or <a title="Happy Brown House on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/happybrownhouse">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p><a href="/2012/10/22/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-lacing/">Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Lacing</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing</a></li>
</ol></p>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching</title>
		<link>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/</link>
		<comments>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 10:30:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Developing Fine Motor Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[babies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fine-motor skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Frugal Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool activities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://happybrownhouse.com/?p=4865</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Pinching items and picking them up requires children to use their pincer grasp. It&#8217;s one of the first fine motor skills your child really develops as a baby, mainly to pick up Cheerios, and then they continue to use it through the &#8220;vacuum cleaner&#8221; stage when they pick up every tiny thing on the floor [...]<p><a href="/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/">Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/' rel='bookmark' title='What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?'>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4766" title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Developing-Fine-Motor-Skills-Series-300x253.jpg" alt="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="300" height="253" /></p>
<p>Pinching items and picking them up requires children to use their pincer grasp. It&#8217;s one of the first fine motor skills your child really develops as a baby, mainly to pick up Cheerios, and then they continue to use it through the &#8220;vacuum cleaner&#8221; stage when they pick up every tiny thing on the floor and try to eat it. Asher is most definitely in the &#8220;vacuum cleaner&#8221; stage. It&#8217;s amazing how much he can already manipulate with his fingers.</p>
<p>With his ability to <a title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing" href="/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/">tear paper</a> and his interest in big brother&#8217;s school activities, I&#8217;ve already started to put him in the high chair and allow him to play with some of the materials we&#8217;re working with. For instance, I attached clear contact paper to his tray and gave him some tissue paper squares. After showing him how to stick them to the contact paper, he caught on quickly and made his first piece of art. It wasn&#8217;t until later that I realized this activity was helping him fine tune his fine motor skills.</p>
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4921" title="Toddler Tissue Paper Mosaic from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/070-001.jpg" alt="Toddler Tissue Paper Mosaic from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="301" /></h2>
<h2>Here are some ways we work on strengthening and fine tuning the pincer grasp around our house&#8230;</h2>
<h2>Clothespins</h2>
<p>Clothespins are such a versatile tool for little hands. By pairing them up with learning concepts, clothespins packs a big punch! The pinching movement required to open them strengthens the pincer grasp, which helps you hold your pencil correctly and pick up small items. The other great thing about clothespins? Most of us already have them around our house or can get them cheaply at the closest dollar store.</p>
<ul>
<li>Some of my favorite ways to use clothespins are by playing clothespin games. (Here&#8217;s a post I wrote on Totally Tots last year with a big list of <a title="Clothespin Games" href="http://totallytots.blogspot.com/2011/06/simply-made-clothespin-games.html">printable clothespin games</a> to help you get started.)</li>
<li>Hang some string and let your child clip ABC or number cards in order.</li>
<li>If space is a concern, write the ABC&#8217;s on the clothespins and have them clip them in order on the bottom part of a hanger.</li>
<li>When folding laundry, put the clean socks in a pile and let your child match up the socks and clip them together for you.</li>
<li>If you are using colored plastic clothespins, have your child sort the colors and clip them to the side of a plastic basket.</li>
<li>Use clothespins to pinch a small sponge or cotton ball and let them paint. (Sneaky fine motor fun!)</li>
</ul>
<h2> Piggy Banks &amp; Slots</h2>
<p>One of the activities that Jonah has always loved is playing with a plastic piggy bank and small disks used to mark your space in Bingo. (Funny Story Side Note: I found these in a box of things I inherited from my great grandmother after she passed away. Of all the things I inherited, we use these the most. Ha!) Even though he is much older now than when I introduced this game, he still likes to play store and other silly games. It&#8217;s gotten a lot of mileage. In addition to pinching coins and picking them up, your child will also be working on hand-eye coordination by placing the item in a specific, small slot. Children have to manipulate the coin/bingo marker and make adjustments to make the item fit correctly and fall through the slot.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4920" title="Piggy Bank Fine Motor Skills practice from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/piggy-bank.jpg" alt="Piggy Bank Fine Motor Skills practice from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="400" height="400" /></p>
<h2>Medicine Dropper</h2>
<p>One day after I had given Asher some medicine, I placed the medicine dropper in the sink of soapy water. A few minutes later, I found Jonah exploring. He was methodically squeezing the dropper to suck up soapy water and squirt it back out. I asked him if he wanted to explore some more and quickly moved him to the table. I set up two cups; one full and the other empty. We squirted a drop of food coloring in to make it easier to see the water and off he went! He transferred the colored water back and forth between the cups for the better part of an hour while I tackled chores. It is something he enjoys and still requests. I bet your child will love it, too.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4919" title="Develop Fine Motor Skills by using a medicine dropper to transfer water from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/medicine-dropper.jpg" alt="Develop Fine Motor Skills by using a medicine dropper to transfer water from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="308" /></p>
<p><strong>This post is a part of the 10 day series, <a title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series" href="/category/blog-series/developing-fine-motor-skills/">Developing Fine Motor Skills</a>. This series is part of the <a title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network Hopscotch</a>. To see the list of the topics from the other bloggers, visit <a title="iHomeschool Network" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network</a>. There are some fantastic topics and giveaways!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4774" title="Hopscotch with iHomeschool Network" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hopscotch-with-iHN.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="223" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Don&#8217;t want to miss a post in the series? Subscribe by <a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HappyBrownHouse&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a title="Subscribe by RSS feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/HappyBrownHouse">RSS</a>. Follow us on <a title="Happy Brown House on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/happybrownhouse">Facebook</a> or <a title="Happy Brown House on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/happybrownhouse">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p><a href="/2012/10/19/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching/">Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Pinching</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
<div class="shr-publisher-4865"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fhappybrownhouse.com%2F2012%2F10%2F19%2Ffocus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching%2F' data-shr_title='Focus+on+Fine+Motor+Skills%7EPinching'></a><a class='shareaholic-fbsend' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fhappybrownhouse.com%2F2012%2F10%2F19%2Ffocus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching%2F'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fhappybrownhouse.com%2F2012%2F10%2F19%2Ffocus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching%2F' data-shr_title='Focus+on+Fine+Motor+Skills%7EPinching'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='horizontal' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fhappybrownhouse.com%2F2012%2F10%2F19%2Ffocus-on-fine-motor-skills-pinching%2F' data-shr_title='Focus+on+Fine+Motor+Skills%7EPinching'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div class='yarpp-related-rss'>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/' rel='bookmark' title='What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?'>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a></li>
</ol></p>
</div>
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		<title>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting</title>
		<link>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/</link>
		<comments>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:30:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Developing Fine Motor Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cutting skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Developing fine Motor Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fine-motor skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scissors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://happybrownhouse.com/?p=4872</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Raise your hand if the thought of giving your child scissors makes you cringe! Scissors and little hands make a lot of people nervous&#8230;me included. The first few times Jonah had access to scissors it was CRAZY and I was a nervous wreck by the end of the activity. It made me want to vow [...]<p><a href="/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/">Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<li><a href='/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/' rel='bookmark' title='What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?'>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/16/10-ways-to-boost-the-power-of-playdough/' rel='bookmark' title='10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough'>10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><h3><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4766" title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Developing-Fine-Motor-Skills-Series-300x253.jpg" alt="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="300" height="253" /></h3>
<h3><strong>Raise your hand if the thought of giving your child scissors makes you cringe!</strong></h3>
<p>Scissors and little hands make a lot of people nervous&#8230;me included. The first few times Jonah had access to scissors it was CRAZY and I was a nervous wreck by the end of the activity. It made me want to vow never to get the scissors out again, but I knew that really wasn&#8217;t an option for long. However, I did put them up for a while; he just wasn&#8217;t ready at the time.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4903" title="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/cut.jpg" alt="Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="290" /></p>
<p><strong>So, what did we do in the meantime? How did I still help him practice the cutting movement without actually handing him scissors until he was ready?</strong></p>
<h2>Tongs</h2>
<p><a title="Tongs" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006RQ8TE0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B006RQ8TE0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20" target="_blank">Tongs</a> can be used for a variety of things. The squeezing motion is basically the same movement used when using scissors. We like to use the tongs to transfer things like pompoms or cotton balls, but you could use your imagination! To shake things up a bit, we&#8217;ve played a game with plastic Easter eggs where Jonah had to pick up eggs, walk across the room (similar to the egg-on-a-spoon game played at relays), and place it in a bucket. I vary the type of tongs to prevent boredom; we use the tongs from our kitchen utensil drawer, plastic preschool tongs, or our homemade tongs made from chopsticks. (Visit Totally Tots to see the step-by-step tutorial I wrote for the <a title="DIY Chopstick Tongs" href="http://totallytots.blogspot.com/2011/12/simply-made-diy-chopstick-tongs.html" target="_blank">DIY Chopstick Tongs</a>.)</p>
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4894" title="DIY Chopstick Tongs and pom pom transfer from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/homemade-tongs-and-pom-poms.jpg" alt="DIY Chopstick Tongs and pom pom transfer from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="301" />Squirt Guns/Nerf Guns</h2>
<p>Um, hello. I have a boy. Enough said? Squirt guns and nerf guns are no-brainers. They are one of those sneaky fine motor activities because it doesn&#8217;t even look like a traditional learning activity. They are fun, but they also pack a punch in the fine motor skills area. Set them up with a target and let them go!</p>
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4889" title="nerf guns can be used for developing fine motor skills @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/nerf-gun.jpg" alt="nerf guns can be used for developing fine motor skills @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="338" />Spray Bottles</h2>
<p>Jonah loves to use spray bottles filled with water. Really, he&#8217;d just spray water into the air all day if I&#8217;d let him, but I always try to put a fun twist on it. Sometimes I&#8217;ll write letters on the sidewalk and send him on a sound hunt. When he finds the letter, he sprays it. Other times we pair the spray bottles with coffee filters colored with markers to make beautiful art. In the summer time we head outside and have a water fight. I&#8217;ve even been known to hand him a water bottle and a rag to &#8220;clean&#8221; the front door window. Really, there is no right or wrong with this!</p>
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4890" title="Spray Bottle Art develops fine motor skills from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Spray-Bottle-Art.jpg" alt="Spray Bottle Art develops fine motor skills from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="376" height="450" />Hole Punch</h2>
<p>Hole punches are very similar to squeezing scissors. Jonah has always been fascinated by the hole punch. Just the other day he sat in the office and punched holes in paper while I worked on other things. Sometimes I&#8217;ll set up specific tasks for him and other times I&#8217;ll let him make up his own fun. For example, I&#8217;ve written numbers on small slips of paper and he had to punch the correct number as he counted. Simple, but effective!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4891" title="Using hole punches to develop fine motor skills @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/number-punch.jpg" alt="Using hole punches to develop fine motor skills @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="450" height="270" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Scissor Skill Tools</h2>
<p>Eventually, you&#8217;ll have to pull out the scissors. That&#8217;s pretty much a given, but maybe with the help of these tools it won&#8217;t be traumatic. Here are a few tools to help keep you sane&#8230;<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933241144/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1933241144&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1933241144&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1933241144" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933241144/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1933241144&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Let&#8217;s Cut Paper! (Kumon First Steps Workbooks)</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1933241144" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013NDVCM/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0013NDVCM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20"><img src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B0013NDVCM&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=happy04-20" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0013NDVCM" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013NDVCM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0013NDVCM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=happy04-20">Maped Koopy Spring Scissors</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=happy04-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0013NDVCM" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> are fabulous! They are spring-action scissors to help little hands cut with less effort. You need these, you really do.</p>
<p>When it is time for scissors, embrace it! Draw some zig zags on a piece of paper and let them practice. Get them to cut &#8220;grass&#8221; and place it on the bottom of an art project. Sending your child on a <a title="Letter Hunt Printable" href="/2012/09/28/letter-hunt-printable/" target="_blank">Letter Hunt</a> with a recycled magazine is a great way to practice cutting. There are endless ideas once they are ready for cutting.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<p><strong>This post is a part of the 10 day series, <a title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series" href="/category/blog-series/developing-fine-motor-skills/">Developing Fine Motor Skills</a>. This series is part of the <a title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network Hopscotch</a>. To see the list of the topics from the other bloggers, visit <a title="iHomeschool Network" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network</a>. There are some fantastic topics and giveaways!</strong></p>
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<p><a href="/2012/10/18/focus-on-fine-motor-skillscutting/">Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Cutting</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/' rel='bookmark' title='Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing'>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/' rel='bookmark' title='What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?'>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/16/10-ways-to-boost-the-power-of-playdough/' rel='bookmark' title='10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough'>10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough</a></li>
</ol></p>
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		<title>Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing</title>
		<link>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/</link>
		<comments>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:00:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Developing Fine Motor Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[As soon as Asher could crawl, he found my magazine basket; he would make a beeline for it every chance he got. Those crinkly pages were just too tempting to a little one with new found freedom. And there I was, chasing him away from the basket and trying to guard the pages of my [...]<p><a href="/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/">Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/' rel='bookmark' title='What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?'>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/16/10-ways-to-boost-the-power-of-playdough/' rel='bookmark' title='10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough'>10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/04/03/the-wall-of-fine/' rel='bookmark' title='The Wall of &#8220;Fine&#8221;'>The Wall of &#8220;Fine&#8221;</a></li>
</ol>
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]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4766" title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Developing-Fine-Motor-Skills-Series-300x253.jpg" alt="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="300" height="253" /></p>
<p>As soon as Asher could crawl, he found my magazine basket; he would make a beeline for it every chance he got. Those crinkly pages were just too tempting to a little one with new found freedom. And there I was, chasing him away from the basket and trying to guard the pages of my precious Family Fun magazines before all of those fabulous ideas were ruined by the human paper shredder.</p>
<p>Shortly after that, I took our daily stroll to the mailbox. I&#8217;m sure you know where this is going&#8230;I found junk mail. Imagine that. A lightbulb went off in my head on our walk back to the house. I immediately sat him on the floor and let him destroy the magazine.</p>
<p>Now, I must confess, I had an inner conflict a few moments before I heard the first rrrrrriiiiip. I argued with myself over whether or not this would be encouraging him to tear paper again. I finally settled on the thought that maybe if he had a chance to explore a junk magazine from the recycle pile, my magazine basket wouldn&#8217;t be as tempting. I saw no harm in handing him the daily junk mail to explore and destroy before it heads to the recycling pile&#8230;to ultimately be destroyed. He&#8217;s just helping to jumpstart the recycling process, right? Asher has been a stubborn little guy from the beginning and I have already learned that if he wants something, he will most certainly find a way to get it. I also knew that there was really no harm in tearing paper. Sure, I&#8217;ll have to pick up the mess, but it&#8217;s better than some of his other antics. Instead of spending my energy chasing him out of things, why not set him up with a basket that he can access to safely explore things?</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4852" title="Allow toddlers to tear paper to develop fine motor skills and sensory exploration @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/tearing-paper.jpg" alt="Allow toddlers to tear paper to develop fine motor skills and sensory exploration @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="500" height="498" /></p>
<p>Guess what? He loved it and cackled with joy the entire time. Best decision ever. I&#8217;d be lying if I told you this has kept him out of my magazine basket for good, but it has helped lower the amount of energy I have to spend redirecting him.</p>
<p><strong>Tearing paper is a fun thing for little ones because it is usually off limits.</strong> Think about it, tearing the pages in a book is a &#8220;no-no&#8221; and if it is a borrowed book from the library it is an offense punishable by fine. Needless to say, books are guarded. But what if we actually say yes? What if we actually saw tearing paper for what it really is?</p>
<h2>Tearing paper is the gateway for lots of other skills&#8230;</h2>
<ul>
<li>Opening bags of shredded cheese</li>
<li>Shredding lettuce for salads</li>
<li>Zippers</li>
<li>Tearing bread to throw to the ducks at the pond</li>
</ul>
<p>Oh, friends, I could go on and on and on&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4883" title="Tearing paper develops Fine Motor Skills @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/tearing-paper1.jpg" alt="Tearing paper develops Fine Motor Skills @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="500" height="333" />Pretend you are tearing a piece of paper. Seriously, I&#8217;ll wait. Uh huh, I see you rolling your eyes. Just pretend with me. I&#8217;m still waiting&#8230;Did you feel that?!? Your &#8220;pointer&#8221; finger and your thumb naturally pinch together. When I tear a piece of paper, my fingers naturally fall into my &#8220;pencil grip&#8221;. (And for the record, yes, I&#8217;m sitting at Panera pretending to tear paper as I write this post.) <strong>Friends, tearing paper is a precursor to writing!</strong></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4884" title="Torn Paper Nest Craft from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/torn-paper-nest.jpg" alt="Torn Paper Nest Craft from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="500" height="369" />Tearing paper isn&#8217;t just for babies. I set Jonah up with crafts that require him to tear paper, too. Just today we made a bird&#8217;s nest by tearing brown paper and gluing it down in a nest shape. Setting kids up with a craft that requires tearing is a pretty sneaky way to work on fine motor skills if you ask me.</p>
<p>Now, go&#8230;give your kids some paper.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: I am in no way responsible for what paper gets torn in your home. If you hand them a bill to destroy, don&#8217;t come knocking on my door. <img src='/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong>This post is a part of the 10 day series, <a title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series" href="/category/blog-series/developing-fine-motor-skills/">Developing Fine Motor Skills</a>. This series is part of the <a title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network Hopscotch</a>. To see the list of the topics from the other bloggers, visit <a title="iHomeschool Network" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network</a>. There are some fantastic topics and giveaways!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4774" title="Hopscotch with iHomeschool Network" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hopscotch-with-iHN.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="223" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Don&#8217;t want to miss a post in the series? Subscribe by <a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HappyBrownHouse&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a title="Subscribe by RSS feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/HappyBrownHouse">RSS</a>. Follow us on <a title="Happy Brown House on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/happybrownhouse">Facebook</a> or <a title="Happy Brown House on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/happybrownhouse">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p><a href="/2012/10/17/focus-on-fine-motor-skills-tearing/">Focus on Fine Motor Skills~Tearing</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/' rel='bookmark' title='What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?'>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/10/16/10-ways-to-boost-the-power-of-playdough/' rel='bookmark' title='10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough'>10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough</a></li>
<li><a href='/2012/04/03/the-wall-of-fine/' rel='bookmark' title='The Wall of &#8220;Fine&#8221;'>The Wall of &#8220;Fine&#8221;</a></li>
</ol></p>
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		<title>10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough</title>
		<link>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/16/10-ways-to-boost-the-power-of-playdough/</link>
		<comments>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/16/10-ways-to-boost-the-power-of-playdough/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:30:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Developing Fine Motor Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Developing fine Motor Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iHomeschool Network]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kindergarten]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[playdough]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Top Ten Tuesday]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Whether you love it or cringe at the thought of cleaning it up, there&#8217;s no denying playdough and fine motor skills go hand in hand. Poking, squishing, and rolling &#8220;snakes&#8221; are important work for little finger muscles on the road to learning to write. The irresistible dough gives little hands lots of practice in mobility [...]<p><a href="/2012/10/16/10-ways-to-boost-the-power-of-playdough/">10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
<div class='yarpp-related-rss'>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/' rel='bookmark' title='What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?'>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a></li>
<li><a href='/2010/09/27/preschool-playdough-mats-activities/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Playdough Mats &amp; Activities'>Preschool Playdough Mats &#038; Activities</a></li>
<li><a href='/2010/10/01/homemade-playdough-recipe-printable/' rel='bookmark' title='Homemade Playdough Recipe &amp; Printable'>Homemade Playdough Recipe &#038; Printable</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4766" title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Developing-Fine-Motor-Skills-Series-300x253.jpg" alt="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="300" height="253" /></p>
<p>Whether you love it or cringe at the thought of cleaning it up, there&#8217;s no denying <a title="Homemade Playdough Recipe" href="/2010/10/01/homemade-playdough-recipe-printable/" target="_blank">playdough</a> and fine motor skills go hand in hand. Poking, squishing, and rolling &#8220;snakes&#8221; are important work for little finger muscles on the road to learning to write. The irresistible dough gives little hands lots of practice in mobility and grasping before they even pick up their first pencil. In a way, playing with playdough can directly impact your child&#8217;s writing skills.</p>
<p>As adults, I think we often limit the possibilities for playdough play to cookie cutters and &#8220;snakes&#8221;. While these are fun and needed skills, there are a ton of ways to give your playdough time an extra fine motor boost by adding a few simple household items to the table.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4806" title="10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough from @happybrownhouse" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Collages.jpg" alt="10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough from @happybrownhouse" width="500" height="353" /></p>
<p><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhappybrownhouse.com%2F%3Fp%3D4745&amp;media=http%3A%2F%2Fhappybrownhouse.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F10%2FCollages.jpg&amp;description=10%20Ways%20to%20Boost%20the%20Power%20of%20Playdough%20from%20%40happybrownhouse%20www.happybrownhouse.com"><img class="aligncenter" title="Pin It" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
1. I love to add plastic knives, pizza cutters, and child-safe scissors to the table when playing with playdough. It is easier for little hands to manipulate these tools with the soft material and gives them a chance to practice using these tools safely.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4803" title="Cutting Playdough with plastic knives" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Cutting-Playdough.jpg" alt="Cutting Playdough with plastic knives" width="500" height="335" /></p>
<p>2. Hide marbles or beads in the playdough. Let your child pinch and pull the dough with tweezers until they find them.</p>
<p>3. Use a pencil to practice making writing marks in the playdough.</p>
<p>4. Use <a title="Preschool Playdough Mats and Activities" href="/2010/09/27/preschool-playdough-mats-activities/">playdough mats</a> to target certain learning skills.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4804" title="Playdough Mats" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Playdough-Mats.jpg" alt="Playdough Mats" width="500" height="335" /></p>
<p>5. Have your child roll the playdough into small balls. Then, use toothpicks to build structures. The playdough balls can serve as the corner joints.</p>
<p>6. Place a toothpick in a ball of playdough and have your child thread beads or cheerios onto the toothpick. This is also great to practice counting number sets!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4805" title="threading beads on a toothpick for playdough fine motor skills practice" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/threading-beads-on-a-toothpick.jpg" alt="threading beads on a toothpick for playdough fine motor skills practice" width="500" height="353" /></p>
<p>7. Add straws to the playdough. Draw a letter, number, or shape for the children to push the straws in along the lines like this <a title="Playdough Prewriting Activity" href="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/playdough-learning-prewriting-for-toddlers/">Playdough Prewriting Activity</a> from Kids Activities Blog.</p>
<p>8. Use a plastic hammer to pound golf tees into the playdough (similar to our <a title="Pound the Sound" href="/2012/06/20/pound-the-sound-a-sensory-sound-game-for-preschoolers/">Pound the Sound</a> activity). Make sure to place a cookie sheet under this activity to save your table. <img src='/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  After the golf tees are pounded in, have your little one balance marbles on the end for an extra fine motor punch.</p>
<p>9. Use stamps (minus the ink) to make impressions in the playdough.</p>
<p>10. Use common household items like a hole punch, garlic press, cookie scoop, etc. If you don&#8217;t want to use the ones in your kitchen drawer, you can find these at the Dollar Store. Place them in a plastic tub and store for next time.</p>
<h2>Resources:</h2>
<p>Our Favorite <a title="Homemade Playdough Recipe" href="/2010/10/01/homemade-playdough-recipe-printable/" target="_blank">Homemade Playdough Recipe</a> and Printable</p>
<p>My <a title="Playdough Pinterst Board" href="http://pinterest.com/happybrownhouse/playdough/">Playdough Pinterest Board</a></p>
<h3><strong>This post is a part of the 10 day series, <a title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series" href="/category/blog-series/developing-fine-motor-skills/">Developing Fine Motor Skills</a>. This series is part of the <a title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network Hopscotch</a>. To see the list of the topics from the other bloggers, visit <a title="iHomeschool Network" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/" target="_blank">iHomeschool Network</a>. There are some fantastic topics and giveaways!</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4774" title="Hopscotch with iHomeschool Network" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hopscotch-with-iHN.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="223" /></a>Don&#8217;t want to miss a post in the series? Subscribe by <a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HappyBrownHouse&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a title="Subscribe by RSS feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/HappyBrownHouse">RSS</a>. Follow us on <a title="Happy Brown House on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/happybrownhouse">Facebook</a> or <a title="Happy Brown House on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/happybrownhouse">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Linking up with <a title="Many Little Blessings" href="http://manylittleblessings.com">Top Ten Tuesday at Many Little Blessings</a></p>
<p><a href="/2012/10/16/10-ways-to-boost-the-power-of-playdough/">10 Ways to Boost the Power of Playdough</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/' rel='bookmark' title='What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?'>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a></li>
<li><a href='/2010/09/27/preschool-playdough-mats-activities/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Playdough Mats &amp; Activities'>Preschool Playdough Mats &#038; Activities</a></li>
<li><a href='/2010/10/01/homemade-playdough-recipe-printable/' rel='bookmark' title='Homemade Playdough Recipe &amp; Printable'>Homemade Playdough Recipe &#038; Printable</a></li>
</ol></p>
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		<item>
		<title>What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</title>
		<link>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/</link>
		<comments>https://happybrownhouse.com/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 06:46:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Developing Fine Motor Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fine-motor skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iHomeschool Network]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kindergarten]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://happybrownhouse.com/?p=4758</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ll never forget my first day of teaching kindergarten in an inner-city school with struggling students, half of whom didn&#8217;t speak English when they walked in my classroom. As I supervised students working at the art table, I noticed that none of my students were holding their scissors correctly&#8230;NONE. Later in the day, I watched [...]<p><a href="/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/">What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4766" title="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Developing-Fine-Motor-Skills-Series.jpg" alt="Developing Fine Motor Skills Series from @happybrownhouse happybrownhouse.com" width="428" height="361" /></p>
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I&#8217;ll never forget my first day of teaching kindergarten in an inner-city school with struggling students, half of whom didn&#8217;t speak English when they walked in my classroom. As I supervised students working at the art table, I noticed that none of my students were holding their scissors correctly&#8230;NONE. Later in the day, I watched as several children struggled to hold their pencil, grasping it as if they were holding a knife and stabbing their paper. It was evident that my students had not spent time at home developing Fine Motor Skills in the most critical time period for them to develop. It was also very evident that I had my work cut out for me to catch them up and strengthen their little hand muscles.</p>
<h2>What are Fine Motor Skills?</h2>
<p>Motor Skills are divided into two categories: Gross Motor and Fine Motor. Gross Motor Skills are the coordination of movements that are required for large movements: crawling, running, jumping, throwing, climbing, etc. These are the skills that develop first. Fine Motor Skills are the coordination of movements that are required for small muscle movements: cutting, writing, opening water bottles, tying shoes, etc. Both sets of motor skills work together to help us function through our day, but fine motor skills are the more detailed of the two skills. Without fine motor skills, life would be very hard.</p>
<h2>Why Develop Them?</h2>
<p><em>Do you really need to focus on Fine Motor Skills? Won&#8217;t kids just pick up on them?</em> To a certain extent, yes, kids will develop them as they go through life, but I&#8217;d argue that they might not be fully developed without some intentional practice. If we truly want to set up our children for success, I think it is important for us to set up opportunities for them develop.</p>
<p><strong>Fine motor skills are important because they directly impact how well a child can write and cut paper.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4767" title="writing" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/writing-e1350280305926.jpg" alt="writing" width="450" height="450" />I recently posted a picture on <a title="Happy Brown House on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/happybrownhouse" target="_blank">Facebook</a> of some of Jonah&#8217;s writing. A friend complimented his writing followed by the question, &#8220;How did you get him to write so well?!&#8221; Deep down I knew what she was asking; she wanted a formula for the same results. <strong>My answer: We developed fine motor skills before I ever expected him to write.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4770" title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch October 2012" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/HopscotchOctober2012Collage-e1350280909440.jpg" alt="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch October 2012" width="500" height="356" /></a>For the next two weeks, I’m honored to be joining 39 other bloggers in <a title="iHomeschool Network Hopscotch October 2012" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/">iHomeschool Network’s Hopscotch</a>! I&#8217;ll spend 10 days sharing my &#8220;formula&#8221; for Developing Fine Motor Skills. I&#8217;m writing this series for my friend. I&#8217;m writing this series for you. I&#8217;m writing this series for my first class of students who made me think about how to strengthen little hand muscles. I hope you&#8217;ll join the fun.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #ff0000;">To see the the list of topics from the other 39 bloggers, visit <a title="iHomeschool Network" href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><span style="color: #ff0000;">iHomeschool Network</span></a>. There are some fantastic topics and giveaways!</span></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/homeschool-hopscotch-pin-it-to-win-it/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4774" title="Hopscotch with iHomeschool Network" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hopscotch-with-iHN.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="223" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Don&#8217;t want to miss a post in the series? Subscribe by <a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HappyBrownHouse&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a title="Subscribe by RSS feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/HappyBrownHouse">RSS</a>. Follow us on <a title="Happy Brown House on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/happybrownhouse">Facebook</a> or <a title="Happy Brown House on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/happybrownhouse">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p><a href="/2012/10/15/what-are-fine-motor-skills-and-why-develop-them/">What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Develop Them?</a> is a post from: <a href="/">Happy Brown House</a></p>
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<li><a href='/2012/04/03/the-wall-of-fine/' rel='bookmark' title='The Wall of &#8220;Fine&#8221;'>The Wall of &#8220;Fine&#8221;</a></li>
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<li><a href='/2012/01/23/mommy-me-coffee-filter-snowflakes/' rel='bookmark' title='Mommy &amp; Me: Coffee Filter Snowflakes'>Mommy &#038; Me: Coffee Filter Snowflakes</a></li>
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