FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

0 – 1 YEAR OLDS


Fine motor: is the way in which the small movements of the small muscles of the hands, wrists, fingers, toes, eyes and tongue are used.

Hand-eye co-ordination:
This is the ability to use the eyes to control the movements of the hands when executing a specific task.

Hand-toe co-ordination:
This refers to the ability to use the eyes to control the movements of the toes when executing a specific task.

Dexterity:
This is the accurate movement or manipulation of the fingers.

This Fine Motor Developmental Checklist should serve the following two purposes:
  • Use the checklist as a guide of fine motor delopment that you should be stimulating, through play or even through daily activities.

  • Should you find that your child is not developing according to several items on the checklist, it is advised that you consult with an Occupational Therapist, General Practitioner (GP), Pediatrician, etc. for further advice.

    This list is a guide and should not be used for diagnostic purposes.

SIX MONTHS (approximately)

Able to hold objects in palms.
Can judge the position of his hands and the object at a glance.
Is able to estimate the distance between his hands and the objects.
Is able to turn objects in the hands while looking at it closely.
Observes the differences of shape, size and texture of an object.
Places objects into the mouth for “inspection”.

EIGHT MONTHS (approximately)

Is able to eat better as the tongue can move the food around in the mouth.
Can drink better form a cup by using the lips better.
Can point to objects and people.
Is able to pull along toys and other objects.
Use the sides of the fingers and thumb to hold an object.
Can pick up small objects using the fingers and the thumb.
Can move an object from one hand to the other.
Can hold two blocks at the same time.
Can wave and shake an object.
Is able to bang two objects together.

ONE YEAR (approximately)

Puts a finger into a hole or opening of a container.
Enjoys placing cubes into containers.
Is able to scribble on paper using crayons.
Can give and take round objects.
Throw objects onto the floor.
Can pile objects on top of each other, e.g. Building a small tower of blocks.
Can pick up small objects e.g. Crumbs.
Is able to place things into a bottle.
Enjoys releasing an object from his/her hand , giving the object away to someone, and receiving it back again.
Is aware of physical attributes of an object, eg. smooth/rough surfaces.
Can see emotional expressions.
Delights in buttons, buckles, flowers and other bright objects.
Begins to pick up a spoon at the tip of the handle.