Developing Fine Motor Skills & Sparking Curiosity

We understand the importance of children developing motor skills to ensure their holistic development is supported.
Good fine motor skills mean children can dress, feed and care for themselves with greater independence and therefore higher self-esteem and confidence. 
We find a variety of ways to engage children and encourage them to take part in experiences that will support fine motor skills. 
This week, children were very curious and keen to use the mini hammers and pegs whilst exploring the Halloween pumpkins.
Great perseverance and strength was needed, as well as hand-eye coordination,  to successfully get the pegs deep into the flesh.
Independent playdough making was also very popular. Children using their hands to scoop, pour, stir and knead the dough.
Children supported each other remembering the ingredients and amounts they needed to make a good dough (equal measure of salt, plain flour and water worked quite well and a few drops of food colouring).
Djembe drumming in the garden was also in action, with children being encouraged to use their hands to tap, beat and scratch their drum to a variety of rhythms. 

All this plus, building with blocks, painting, climbing, cycling, digging in the sand and mud kitchen.

Can you think of all the ways your child uses their fine motor skills around the house every day?