Preschoolers continued progress with fine motor skills depends on the stimulation and encouragement they receive on a daily basis. Improvements typically occur steadily between this age and preschoolers begin to complete small tasks that they couldn't do earlier. Such as cutting with a knife, holding a pencil correctly etc.
Fine Motor Development Milestones
- uses a pair of scissors
- able to cut out on a line
- copies simple shapes such as a cross or a square
- begins to write simple letters of the alphabet
- has a clear hand preference
- manipulates small objects
- draws a person with 2-4 body parts
- begins to copy some capital letters
- can feed self with spoon
- dresses and undresses self without assistance
- begins to learn to tie shoelaces
- buttons, zips and unzips confidently
- colours in pictures, with control, staying in the line
- uses a fork and knife correctly
- dresses and undresses with little help
- holds crayon/pencil etc.. between thumb and first two fingers
- uses fork, spoon
- usually cares for own toilet needs
Preschoolers typically enjoy fine motor experiences such as threading, beading, sewing etc. as they are able to manipulate small objects and concentrate on a set task. Preschoolers also enjoy challenges which some of the fine motor activities will provide.