Build Fine Motor Skills (E4.9.2)
Sub Category: Physical Development
Credential Level: Level 2 •
Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Pre-K
COMPETENCY STATEMENT
Provides children with opportunities to engage in a variety of activities that support the development of fine motor skills (age-appropriate finger foods, writing, dress-up dolls, tongs, manipulatives, lacing cards)
DEFINITIONS
Teachers give children chances to use their hands and fingers through activities like using tongs, lacing cards, and dressing dolls. These tasks help children build control and strength in their hands. Fine motor skills are important for writing, eating, and self-care.
EXAMPLES
Build Fine Motor Skills
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher uses play dough with toddlers to encourage fine motor skills. Notice how the teacher uses clear, slow motions, demonstrating actions like roll, pound, poke, pat, and squeeze and repeats these steps so toddlers can imitate.
Build Fine Motor Skills
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher supports toddlers’ fine motor development by pouring water between cups. Notice how the teacher models actions such as pour and encourages repeated small hand movements throughout the interaction, providing opportunities for children to engage in activities that support fine motor skill development.
Build Fine Motor Skills
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher supports toddlers’ fine motor development by stacking manipulatives. Notice how the teacher encourages repeated small hand movements during the interaction, providing opportunities for children to engage in activities that support fine motor skill development.
Build Fine Motor Skills
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, toddler teachers support children as they explore fine motor activities such as shape matching, simple puzzles, and early scribbling. Through gentle guidance and hands‑on practice, the teachers provide meaningful opportunities for toddlers to strengthen hand control and build foundational fine motor skills.
Build Fine Motor Skills
Age Group: Infant
Age Group: Infant
In this exemplar video, a teacher provides a meaningful opportunity for a child to strengthen fine motor skills during center time. In the Pretend and Learn Center, the teacher encourages the child to wash the dishes. Through her guidance and support, the teacher demonstrates the competency “Provides children with opportunities to engage in a variety of activities that support the development of fine motor skills.” The child follows the teacher’s lead and completes the dish‑washing task, showing growing control and coordination in their hand movements.