Promoting Fine Motor Development

A few weeks ago OT Shana Krell from Gateways, stop by to take a look at our classroom and made some great suggestions as to how we can use our classroom space to encourage and promote fine motor development. Shana helped us see the space in our classroom differently. Preschoolers should be upright, either sitting or standing, with their arms and hands working against gravity while they work on the vertical. Shana gave us many ideas and activities to do with the children, but one of my favorites is using push pins to display art work or create games on the cork space in the classroom. She also suggested we use the ledge at the bottom of our window to draw, write and create. Vertical work surfaces such as easels, cork/peg boards or walls will strengthen the muscles in young children's hands and will promote wrist development.

Volcano Building 101 Day 1

We were inspired by the Haifa class boys and girls to make our own volcano. We printed out some 'facts' about volcanos in an effort to respond to those curious minds "is there vinegar and baking soda in a REAL volcano? You may want to ask your children? But the pictures of the RED eruption, lava pouring, soon became the focus for creating our very own volcano. We provided the bowl, and newspaper. Now what did we need to do? We knew from talking to the Haifa class boys and girls, that 'paper mache' was needed and a bowl.  There were however steps that needed to be followed. We needed a plan. First we need newspapers in strips. So Day ONE was creating strips. Many , many strips. Luckily we had lots of newspaper to accompany their interest.  Some boys and girls started with scissors, creating long strips, and others ripped the paper in strips. These exercise help strengthen wrist development for writing, and is fun at the same time, all while serving our 'goal' of making our volcano. Just think of the satisfaction in completion.