Games to Promote Fine Motor Skills

As an occupational therapist, incorporating games into therapy sessions is a valuable and enjoyable approach to supporting the development of fine motor skills in students or clients. Games offer a dynamic and interactive way to engage individuals while targeting specific areas of development. Beyond fine motor skills, games can enhance language, social/emotional, and cognitive development. Here are a couple of my favorite games that promote fine motor development

WARNING: AVOID USING THESE GAMES IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO PREVENT YOUR CHILD FROM PUTTING ITEMS IN THEIR MOUTH. 

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Pop the Pig

In Pop the Pig, children take turns feeding the pig hamburgers. A dice (in older models) or a spinner directs the child to the number of times the child should press on the pig's head, making his stomach expand. The game ends when the pig's belt pops. This game works on pincer grasp, eye-hand coordination to put an item in a slot, upper extremity strength, and provides proprioceptive input while pushing down the pig's head.

Gooey Louie

With Gooey Louie, children take turns picking boogers out of Louie's nose until his brain pops out of his skull. This game helps a child work on isolated finger extension and pincer grasp.

Doggie Doo

Doggie Doo allows children to work on hand strength, dexterity, and the ability to use two hands. In Doogie Doo, the child feels the dog a pellet and squeezes his leash until the dog makes a "doo," promoting hand strength. The child must use a shovel to clean up, which can encourage two-hand use.

Connect Four

Connect Four can be played in its typical tic-tac-toe style or used to promote in-hand manipulation skills. Have the child place two or more checkers in their hand to have them move a single piece into a slot using their thumb and fingers.

By incorporating these games into therapy sessions or home-based activities, occupational therapists can make the process of fine motor skill development enjoyable and engaging. Through these games, individuals can improve their hand strength, dexterity, coordination, and control while simultaneously developing other essential skills such as language, social/emotional, and cognitive abilities. Playing games supports therapy goals and provides a positive and motivating environment for growth and progress. These games are a small sample of fine motor games. What games do you like to play with your kiddos? Leave a comment below.