Blog Layout

Developmental Milestones: Fine Motor Skills

kid playing with letters
While all children develop differently, there are a number of milestones that may indicate your school-aged child is having difficulty with fine motor skills and would benefit by seeing an Occupational Therapist for an assessment and therapy, or intervention, plan. If you have a concern, consult your healthcare practitioner, or contact [insert link] our office for more information or to arrange an assessment.

3-4 Years

  • Buttons/unbuttons large buttons.
  • Unzips zippers.
  • Holds pencil in fingers using a tripod (3 fingers) or quadrupod grasp (4 fingers).
  • Copies simple shapes.
  • Draws a person with 2-3 parts.
  • Cuts with scissors on straight line, some curves, around corners.
  • Colours large object with some attempt to stay in lines.

4-5 Years

  • Manages most clothing fasteners (zippers, fastening Velcro shoes).
  • Copies more complex shapes (diagonals, squares, X).
  • Prints some letters (primarily uppercase) and numbers.
  • Cuts with scissors fairly accurately (turns paper with “helper hand”).
  • Colours with some accuracy.

5-6 Years

  • Able to tie knot and possibly shoelaces.
  • Uses knife to spread and is beginning to cut.
  • Draws triangle.
  • Prints most upper and lower case letters and numbers.
  • Draws a person with 6 parts.
  • Draws recognizable picture.
  • Hands work in a coordinated manner (scissors use).
  • Colours with accuracy.

Related Posts

Receptive Language Delays
By info 26 Sep, 2019
Receptive language delays can be defined as the inability to comprehend both verbal and nonverbal language. Children who suffer from receptive language delays have problems understanding both spoken as well as written and gestural language.
Expressive Language Delays: Everything You Need to Know
By info 26 Sep, 2019
Is your child having trouble expressing himself/herself using language? If yes, look no further. Your child may be experiencing expressive language delays. Below is everything you need to know.
Early Language Delays: Important Facts/Information
By info 26 Sep, 2019
Babies start to communicate long before they start speaking. Babies use smiles, giggles, crying, gestures, etc. to communicate their needs long before they start using language. To be able to understand early language delays, it’s important to understand the language milestones that every child goes through for the first two years.
Language Delays and Disorders in Children
By info 25 Sep, 2019
Development of Language: There are many factors that affect a child’s language development ranging from early learning experiences, their physical development, to social interaction. It can also be influenced by a developmental delay, hearing impairment, genetics, or autism. Children with language delays or disorders may also have difficulties with reading, spelling and school subjects, so early assessment and treatment (intervention) is important.
Share by: