Kindergarten students gain fine motor control by practicing cutting with scissors, coloring or drawing with pencils or crayons and playing dress-up in clothes that have zippers, buttons and snaps. Peeling fruits such as oranges, finger painting, playing with modeling clay and squeezing objects such as tweezers and clothespins also improves fine motor control.
Kindergarten students need access to a variety of age-appropriate toys and supplies, such as paper and writing instruments in different sizes and shapes; child-sized scissors and scrap paper, such as newspapers or magazines; dress-up clothes with buttons, zippers and snaps; a tool center with child-sized tools, such as a screwdriver and wrench; and art supplies such as paint, glue and modeling clay.
Kindergarten students don't need a regimented schedule of fine-motor activities. Instead, give them access to several games and activities, and play with kids to encourage them. Focus on engaging kids and having fun, not on accomplishing a structured checklist of fine motor skills.
Fine motor skills are necessary for everyday activities, such as getting dressed, pushing buttons, opening lids and using scissors. In addition, students must have some fine motor control to begin learning how to write. For example, students must be able to grasp writing tools with a "pincer grip," or thumb and index finger grip.