10.10.17

HOW TO PREPARE MY TODDLER TO SELF FEED AND WRITE - FINE MOTOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT


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Well, I don't know if there is a correct and sure to succeed method. However, there are many ways we can help them learn to feed themselves. Firstly, they need to strengthen their finger muscles. They need to have a good and proper grip. Then comes the motion. Same goes for gripping a pencil as well as writing. 

To encourage them to improve their finger muscles, there are numerous fine motor skills activities they can do. Numerous simple activities(that won't  make mummies faint from the mess). A gentle reminder, all activities need to be supervised.

1) Tearing
So from now on, put that shredder away. Letters to discard? Get your toddlers to tear them all. A little tip; off all the fans around you to avoid going crazy at the end of the activity.

Follow up:
If they have mastered tearing, you might want to give them a pair of safety scissors(the ones with plastic blades so they can practice the motion)





2) Play Dough
There are of course commercial ones like Playdoh where you can just grab off the shelves. Or, you can make edible ones in any case your toddlers decide to have a taste test during the activity. Activities that surrounds play doughs are endless. You can use cookie cutters, bottle caps, ice cream sticks and many many more!






3) Pegging
You know those small clothes pegs that you have lying around? Yup, those. Take small bowls and enough small pegs and shoe your toddlers how to peg around the rim of the bowl. It's a simple but you might be surprised that some toddlers have difficulties pegging initially. Over time, they become masters of pegging. Pegs will be your new fashion accessory.






4) Pompoms
This is personally my favourite. You can find normal sized pompoms like Adam's or those jumbo sized ones. You need bowls and small spoons. Get your toddlers to transfer from one bowl to another using the spoon. You may even use egg trays. When they are experts, get them to transfer using tongs. Of course, get those small cute plastic tongs for them and not those huge BBQ ones. Even I would have trouble using those.




5) Bubble wrap
This is the easiest one! Just get your little one to pop them! If they have not reached out for it first that is. They will love it! At the same time, they exercise their finger muscles(and no mess!). Win win!






6)Washi tapes
Let's get fancy and use washi tapes! Anyone who knows me will know that I have a problem. I go crazy over unnecessary stationaries, like washi tapes. Don't act like you're not guilty, please. Now you can put them to good use. Paste them on the floor or even on the walls. Get your precious one to peel all of them! Washi tapes are great as they are not super sticky to deal with and they are super attractive!

There are endless activities to help your toddlers. These are just some of the activities that we did in school and I'm sharing then with you! Hope these help! Remember that all toddlers develop at their own pace. Let's not rush them. <3

On a side note, my threenager still wants to be fed all the time and is afraid of the potty.

Oh the irony,
Ja

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