Scribbles

Making scribbles is an important part of your toddler’s fine motor development.  At this age children are learning how to hold a crayon, hold a book or paper with one hand and write with the other. He might even be scribbling because he mimics your actions. Give your toddler a variety of appropriate art material for him to work with: Chunky pastels, thick crayons, triangular shaped pencils, thick non-toxic, washable felt tip pens and roll on paint or glitter glue. Keep a close tab at your child all the time to make sure that drawing only occurs on appropriate surfaces.

Doing sand art is a fun way to engage a toddler during a rainy day. Many types of sand art kits complete with peel off stickers and different colors of sand are available in toy shops. However, you can have just as much fun with some sand from the sand pit, glue, a pen and a paper. Draw a simple design on the piece of paper. Cover with glue, scoop up some sand and sift is slowly over the glue. Children usually will need your help during all stages of this activity.

Take an empty egg carton and different shapes of pasta (macaroni, shells and penne). Place a couple of every kind in front of your child with the egg carton and show how to sort the pasta into the different egg carton compartments. This activity not only encourages fine skills, but also helps with early math skills.

Take a few empty toilet rolls and a thick piece of string. Help to thread the string through the toilet rolls and make a chunky thick necklace. You can even paint the toilet rolls before hand to make the string colorful and attractive.

Advanced fine motor skills provide a foundation for when your child has to learn to write in preschool. Encourage your child’s efforts and treasure early artworks – he might become the next Monet – you never know!