Getting your kindergartener ready for school success is about more than just academics, social skills, and emotions. It’s also important for your child to have the right fine and gross motor skills that match their age and physical growth, so they can really shine in the school year ahead. Here are my tips and tricks for Motor Skill Readiness For Your Soon-To-Be Kindergartener.
A big trend with kids starting kindergarten is that they often have weaker fine and gross motor skills. With technology being such a big part of life and starting earlier than before, it’s super important to get our kids moving. We should make sure they do activities every day that boost these skills. So, what skills do they need? And how can you help them get ready before they start kindergarten?
Writing
Can you believe some kids start school without ever holding a crayon or pencil? Yep! These days, restaurants often have computer games instead of crayons and coloring pages for kids. But holding a pencil or crayon is a basic skill that kids really need to practice before starting kindergarten. Your little one will start using a pencil right away in school, and it takes up valuable time if teachers have to stop and teach them how to use it. So, get them used to crayons, markers, pencils, and pens regularly. Practice drawing shapes and coloring inside the lines. This will help your child get ready to start writing their name, letters, and numbers. (Handwriting Guide for Grown-ups of Little Learners)
Fine Motor Skills
How about scissors? Has your child ever tried using them? Do they know how to fit their little fingers into the grips and cut paper? It’s a skill they’ll need to learn and practice. We’ll be doing a lot of cutting in kindergarten, and being able to use scissors will give them a head start.
You can help boost their fine motor skills at home with toys that involve manipulation. Think blocks, puzzles, shape sorters, arts and crafts, pretend food, dolls, construction tools, and building blocks. These activities not only improve hand movement but also enhance hand-eye coordination. Exposing your child to a variety of toys and activities will boost their physical skills, getting them ready for kindergarten. (Kinetic Sand and Fine Motor Development For Little Learners)
Dressing and Undressing
Do they know how to zip up their jacket or pants? Can they fasten and unfasten belts? Can they dress and undress on their own? Is your child potty trained? You might wonder why this matters for kindergarten. Well, your child needs to be able to go to the bathroom alone. I once had a child who had a potty accident every day. The child was potty trained, could dress and undress, and made it to the bathroom on time. So what went wrong? The child wore a belt that was tricky to remove quickly. This led to embarrassment and a change of clothes until we figured out the issue. Be aware of what your child can do with their clothes for school. Make sure they know how to handle zippers and belts.
Can your kid tie their shoes? Teachers can’t stop and tie 25 pairs when they come undone! If your little one can’t tie shoes, go for velcro or slip-ons!
Gross Motor Skills
Get out and have some fun! Running, jumping, sliding, and playing tag are just a few activities that boost your big muscle skills. There are plenty of indoor games too. Play kitchens and forts spark your imagination while also helping out. Using all your muscles is great for building those big motor skills, improving coordination, and getting more blood flow to your brain.
The more your child gets to practice and improve both their fine and gross motor skills, the more ready they’ll be for kindergarten’s challenges and activities. By letting them have plenty of chances to work on these skills, you’re helping them start their school journey on the right foot.
