Physical activities such as movement and dance are used to foster the development of the young child’s gross motor skills. Materials aiding the development of gross motor skills include:
- Large blocks;
- Natural resources;
- Playground equipment; and
- Tricycles.
Activities that help children develop their fine motor skills include:
- Grasping;
- Holding;
- Pushing and pulling;
- Removing items;
- Turning; and
- Winding and placing.
Fine motor development is aided by:
- Assembling puzzles;
- Building;
- Drawing;
- Molding clay;
- Painting; and
- Pouring.
Opportunities to further use and refine fine motor skills occur when dressing and undressing for outdoor play, and at lunch, through the manipulation of utensils. Examples include:
- Buckles;
- Buttons;
- Snaps;
- Use of a fork and spoon; and
- Zippers.