Fine motor activities for toddlers can begin with imaginary play!
Wash the Socks was the exact fine motor activity for toddlers I was looking for. Here’s why.
I knew that this simple play prompt for my two-year-old would go a long way!
Not only was his imagination game on point, but he was also strengthening his fingers for some incredible fine motor practice.
In the realm of learning through play, this toddler idea is the winner, winner chicken dinner!
RELATED: Pencil grip has many ages and stages, which is why I wrote this informational post to help your child at home.
What are some fine motor skills for toddlers?
Fine motor skills can be practiced by:
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pinching
- painting
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connecting
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buttoning
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zipping
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coloring/drawing
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connecting
Strengthen your toddler’s small hand muscles now with this endless list of fine motor activities!
My two-year-old likes to use his imagination, so I knew this play prompt would speak his language.
When I watch my two-year-old play, I can see him reenacting scenes from the world around him. I see him making phone calls on blocks, rescuing Paw Patrol pups from danger, and wearing headphones pretending to be on a run outside with dad.
So for this fine motor play, we added in something he is also familiar with – laundry!
To help build his fine motor strength, we also added tongs. – a sneaky mom move if you will. I bet this would also make a fun activity for your one-year-old to play without tongs.
RELATED: Have a two year old and unsure where to start? That’s why I wrote this Startup Guide to help manage your days with littles.
Here’s how to set up this fine motor activity for toddlers.
I grabbed a box from my garage and cut a small rectangle on the bottom of the box.
Next, I drew a simple washing machine on a piece of paper and taped it to the box. (thank you, Google images)
Then it was a quick handful from the sock drawer and voila! a fine motor activity for toddlers was born.
Here’s what you’ll need to play:
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Just like the best toys for toddlers, these supplies will be used for years to come!
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cardboard box
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markers
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white paper
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box cutter
Pro Tip: When you purchase the kid’s tongs and so many come in a pack, save some for the next birthday gift!
The fine motor magic happens as your toddler picks up each sock with the tong to place them into the box. It is okay if they do not use the tongs every time. The practice of just a few will make a difference in strengthening your toddler’s little hands.
Just like Drive and Drop, when my toddler finished adding socks, he was pleasantly surprised to find them underneath the box!
Next, don’t go too far with those socks! Your toddler will also get a kick out of Sock Match!
When will you play this fine motor activity with your toddler?
