Fine Motor and Sensory in Kindergarten

Education is a dynamic field. Even in the time that I have taught, many things have changed tremendously. As standards have become more rigorous in the early childhood grades, and academic expectations rise, I find it increasingly important to incorporate sensory and fine motor experiences into my classroom. Many of my students are learning to write in preschool, or even younger. This means that many of them come to me with an immature pencil grip because they lack hand strength or have not moved past grasps that are appropriate for younger ages.

Click here to visit a great website that explains pencil grasps and when to attempt to modify them!

I work with my kids to build up hand strength by offering opportunities to exercise their hands. I find that my student have very strong and coordinated thumbs because of their video game experience, but  often lack strength in the remaining fingers and hand. I currently have a sensory center that has a large bin of popcorn kernels, with a variety of cups, plastic test tubes, funnels, measuring spoons, and other containers for the student to scoop, pour, and fill. I encourage play with play dough, including putting beads or other small objects in it for the students to find and remove. I offer opportunities with chopsticks and tweezers frequently. This week, we read a book about tools, and students visited centers where they could use real pliers, pulleys, nuts and bolts, and hammers and nails. (with eye protection and my close supervision!) Throughout warmer months, I also offer opportunities with water and squirt toys, turkey basters, and sponges that they can squeeze. These activities expose them  to a variety of sensory opportunities, strengthen their hands, and are lots of fun!

Experimenting on the light table

Working with water beads

Working in sand