Fine Motor Skills by Age
On Track for Kindergarten - An OberlinKids Program
Fine Motor Skills are developed when a child uses their fingers and hands to plays and investigates. This practice starts at birth. Fine Motor Skills are essential for school success. They are used for daily tasks like eating, getting dressed, and other tasks that require the control of their fingers and hands.
3 Months
Reaches for and grabs objects close to their hands and body. Puts hands in their mouth.
6 Months
Reaches for things he or she wants. Touches things to understand and explore them.
9 Months
Holds and grabs toys in both hands. Passes the toy from one hand to the other.
12 Months
Holds and grabs things between their index finger and thumb. Uses a spoon and a cup.
18 Months
Scribbles with crayons. Puts things inside other containers. Takes off their own shoes or socks.
2-3 Years
Turns a key or or opens a jar by using a twisting motion. Throws and catches a large ball. Eats and drinks independently.
3-4 Years
Eats without making a big mess. Gets dressed on their own. Colors without scribbling. Makes intentional marks on the paper.
4-5 Years
Draws a person. Copies shapes, lines, or letters. Can write come letters of their name. Colors inside of the lines.
What Parents Can Do to Help:
Give infants rattles and one light toy at a time to learn to grasp with their hands. Encourage them to color, write, draw, paint, squeeze wet wash clothes, and play dough. Offer puzzles, lacing activities, lift-the-flap books, board games, and small toys. Offer activities where the child can use tongs, clothes pins, and tweezers to pick things up. Allow your child to help measure, stir, cut, and pour when cooking together.
