5 Things You Need to Know About Motor Skills Practice for Kindergarteners

1. Daily Activities Encourage Motor Skill Development

When looking at what your day's activities might contain, design physical activities that are compatible for your children's ages and levels of stamina. Simple walks around the block or the park as well as more intense hikes and water activities all have a positive effect on motor skill development. Incorporate various forms of practice to develop balance and instill in your youngsters a sense of how their own bodies works.

2. Play Catch

Any kind of game that requires catching and throwing improves hand-eye coordination and builds muscle, both key components of motor skill development. Vary the size of the ball or other toy; smaller items are challenging, and larger ones are easier to use with success. Mix it up sometimes and use other objects like nets to catch softer and lighter items.

3. Practice the Alphabet

Encourage kids to practice fine motor skills by helping them learn printing, drawing straight and curved lines and tracing. The lines should be easy for kindergartners, which will give them a sense of accomplishment. Printing letters is a larger challenge. Try practicing with family names and names of familiar toys or dolls to keep it from being a chore.

4. Practice Repetition of Motor Skills

Reinforce skills gained earlier in a child's activity set to build confidence. Rolling play dough and building with play dough is one example of a satisfying and useful activity that is familiar to kids. Try using kid-sized tools like extra-large scissors or large tweezers or screwdrivers. Playing with stickers and other small objects like coins and buttons is also helpful when developing motor skills.

5. It's a Car! It's a Plane! No, It's Motor Skills Practice!

Loco-motor skills like running, jumping, skipping, hopping and other activities are all fun and important for kindergartners. Many school programs incorporate these activities into the school day, and it can be encouraged during free play with friends and siblings. Bring the fun home with pretend play activities and simple games with the family.