The functions performed by our hands are diverse and complex; ranging from holding and manipulating objects, to kneading dough, cutting foods, tying, and writing.
Our hand is a manipulator of objects
as well as a communicator. Hand is waved in bye-bye, or thrown up in anger, or
used tenderly to pet a baby. Hand is a functional tool that we use for
pressing, pushing, and pulling. And we use external tools with our hands such
as scissors, hammer, and pestle.
Most children seen at my clinic present with
poor use of hands, sensitive hands, and weakness of hand muscles. These
children have a range of diagnoses, such as autism, developmental delays, slow
learner, and sensory processing difficulties. And there are a number of grade school children who present with difficulties in fine motor skills, handwriting, and attention. Regardless of the diagnosis, I
find that children have a weak grasp of objects, a weak pincer grasp, and
therefore have difficulty with using hands for a variety of functional tasks.
Our finger tips contain the highest density of
touch receptors, that help us appreciate and discriminate various textures,
shapes, temperature, and pressure. Therefore, the tactile / touch input through
the hands and fingers becomes crucial in the process of learning about the
immediate environment in a child’s course of development.
Writing -- As parents of preschool and grade school children, it is common to have concerns about writing. However, before holding a pencil and starting to write, a child needs upper body strength, stability of multiple joints such as shoulder, elbow, wrist, strength of hand and finger muscles. The hands should engage in climbing, digging, pinching, pressing, pulling, scrunching, and twisting with a wide variety of material.
All of these develop through prewriting
activities of using hands in a variety of ways. Besides these, a child will be
ready for letter formation only after they are able to copy prewriting lines
and shapes such as vertical, horizontal, circle, etc. Also visual skills and
cognition are required for writing. Hence, there is immense prep work needed
prior to just giving a pencil and expecting the child to start making letters.
Fine motor skills are accomplished by using
small muscles of the hand and fingers in coordination with the eyes. Young
children need a lot of practice in manipulating objects of various sizes,
shapes, and textures in order to develop finger strength and control.
Following are the videos that demonstrate many
activities that are simple and can be done at home.
Punching on paper – use 2 types of hole punchers to make holes on paper. The simple punching machine can be used in 2 ways as shown in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fuyv61UHb70
Paper tearing --Have your child practice tearing a variety of
paper that you are going to discard. These can range from regular paper to thin
tissue paper to slightly thicker sheets. Your child can tear and crush the
paper pieces.
Tearing paper is a simple, but important
exercise in improving bilateral coordination. It also improves hand-eye coordination,
precision grip, intrinsic hand muscle strength, and shoulder stability. Moreover,
it provides proprioceptive input to the hands and fingers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSsw-2Iuy1g&t
Pincer grasp - use toothpicks and a small spice bottle to work on your child's pincer grasp.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/39ljmd--NPY
Rubber band activity – working with
rubberbands provides tactile and proprioceptive input. It involves complex movements
of the hands and fingers.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QDEepN3oTXI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mxg9sWG2Bt0
Various finger movements using small objects, paper, and bubble paper to work on pincer grip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL1NdUiSC8s
Variety of fine motor activities are shown in
this video, that can be done with material found at home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyjHNmxGRoY&t=10s
Translation of small objects and coins within
the palm. This occurs in 2 directions – from fingertips to palm or viceversa. This
activity contributes to arch development and strengthening intrinsic muscles of
the hand that are so important in all fine motor skills.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UXAPsKob8Tg
Have Fun with your child!
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