Pre-schools’ Update – Week 4

Dear Families,

Before children can learn to write, they need strong, well-developed muscles in their hands, arms, shoulders, and core. These are built through gross motor (big movement) and fine motor (small movement) activities.

Gross and fine motor skills are the foundation for correct pencil grip and writing. Without strong muscles and coordination, holding a pencil correctly or writing for any length of time can be tiring and frustrating.

By supporting motor development now, we’re helping children build the strength, control, and confidence they need for successful handwriting later in Pre-school and into Kindergarten.

Many children who struggle with pencil grip haven’t yet built up the muscles or coordination they need. Giving them time to play, move and explore with their hands and bodies is one of the best ways to prepare them for writing.

Here are some fun ways to support your child’s motor skills at home:

• Gross Motor Activities (build core & shoulder strength):
• Crawling through tunnels or under tables
• Climbing in the playground
• Throwing, catching and kicking balls
• Animal walks (bear, crab, frog jumps)
• Wheelbarrow walks (you hold their legs while they walk on hands)

Fine Motor Activities (strengthen hands & fingers):

• Playdough squeezing, rolling and pinching
• Peg boards, threading beads, or pasta necklaces
• Using child-safe scissors to cut paper
• Peeling stickers or labels
• Tweezers or tongs to pick up small objects
• Helping in the kitchen – stirring, pouring, spreading

Kind regards,

Abigail McFarlane
Pre-schools Coordinator