It is a common saying among preschool teachers that if your child isn't strong enough to crab-walk then she won't be able to use scissors very well in kindergarten. As strange as this may sound, there is a ring of truth to it. Stability-building exercises such as crab-walking, pushing a wheelbarrow or cart, or working on an easel or chalkboard allow your child to develop wrist strength. Wrist strength and stability are important for cutting activities and working on vertical surfaces such as writing on a chalkboard. Practicing crab-walking in your backyard or taping a piece of paper to your refrigerator door for your child to draw on will help her build wrist stability.
One of the most beneficial movements in fine motor development is squeezing--often maximized by playing with playdough. In early childhood and again when children are ready to learn cursive, playing with molding craft dough works the tiny muscles in the fingers to make them ready for the control of delicate work. One occupational therapy task that incorporates putty or craft dough is hiding small objects such as coins or macaroni (uncooked) in a ball of dough and then asking the child to stretch and pull apart the dough until he has found all the hidden pieces.
Learning to dress himself and tie his shoes are major accomplishments on a child's road to independence. Naturally, the motor skills for these tasks can be developed easily through dressing a doll or teddy bear. Stringing fat plastic pony beads or o-shaped cereal such as Cheerios on yarn provides practice in moving and controlling small objects. Putting together puzzles, unzipping and zipping a coat zipper and locking and unlocking a door work these all-important small muscles as well. Have your child button and unbutton a shirt while it is on a hanger. Help him make a bead necklace for a teacher or favorite aunt. Make sure he can get his favorite bear into a raincoat and fasten it up. These fun tasks will help your child build fine motor skills and confidence.