Fine Motor Learning Center

Item # 1There are four categories in the fine motor

center. There should be daily access to at least 3-5 materials in each category.

The four categories include:1. Small building materials2. Art Materials3. Manipulative materials4. Puzzles

Small building materials – (ex. legos, duplos)

Art materials – (ex. Painting, drawing, molding, cutting, pasting, sculpture)

Manipulative materials – (ex. Links, lacing, beading, sewing, weaving, busy boards, Dressy-Bessie)

Puzzles – (Different ability levels available; ex. Knobbed, jigsaw, large, small)

Item # 2Diversity can be represented within the fine

motor center by hanging the art work of each child.

Item # 3Skills and abilities developed from the experience

of having daily access to the materials and interactions in the fine motor center are:

Eye-hand coordination – (ex. Looking to see where the hole is on a lacing board in order to push the string through)

Item # 4The teacher’s role is to demonstrate how the

different fine motor activities encourage the development of eye-hand coordination.

Examples: Encouraging children to use their eye-hand

coordination to tie their shoes. Using scissors to cut slits into the paper.

Domain: Language and LiteracyStrand 5: Early Writing E2. Experiment with grasp when using a

variety of writing tools (PG. 80)Strategies: Supervising child’s exploration of child-

safe writing tools Providing writing and drawing tools (e.g.,

crayons, chalk, finger paint) that can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Domain: Language and LiteracyStrand 5: Early WritingE9: Use letter-like shapes, symbols, and letters to

convey meaning (PG 80)Strategies: Positively acknowledging child’s attempts at writing

(e.g., display writing in visible locations). Leaving fun notes for child in child's bed, and when

child finds the notes, reading them aloud together Providing opportunities for child to manipulate

magnetic letters, naming the letters or using them to spell out simple words.

Domain: Fine ArtsStrand 2: MusicB9: Show interest in more complicated

instruments (e.g., piano, guitar) (PG 118)Strategies: Providing opportunities for child to listen to

music of all cultures and styles. Taking child to music, dance, and theatre

performances appropriate for young children.

Domain: Fine ArtsStrand 4: Visual ArtsD9: Create drawings, paintings, models, and other art

creations that are more detailed, creative or realistic (PG 118)

Strategies: Planning enough time for child to be able to delve into an

art project and be creative without much interruption. Sharing and discussing with child colorful illustrations in

books and magazines. Providing the child with various art materials. Integrating natural discussions of art elements into daily

conversation.