For Youngest Learners, Summer Program Aims to Boost Fine Motor Skills

What do play dough, chalk boards, grabbers and Lego have in common? They’re all great tools for strengthening fine motor skills!

Incoming first graders are having a blast in Summer Literacy Program sessions with William O. Schaefer Elementary School Occupational Therapist Beth Kaplan, COTA/L, and Teaching Assistant Sue Penfield, which feature a series of fun, hands-on stations to build stamina, strength and dexterity.

"The summer session is an extension of a proactive occupational therapy intervention program,” explained Kaplan, who credits Instructional Literacy Coach (K-Gr. 5) Kristy Nadler for including fine motor skills work in the summer program. “All kindergarten teacher assistants participate in a monthly training throughout the school year and are provided with supplies to support the incorporation of fine motor activities into ‘center time’ to support foundation skills, such as drawing, writing and using scissors.”

Strengthen skills at home: “Make it fun!” Kaplan advises. “Playing outside using sidewalk walk, plant water squirters, gardening and going to the playground are wonderful ways to improve strength, grasp and endurance.”