18 Fine Motor Activities for Preschoolers

It's no secret that fine motor skills play an important role in a child's development and success at school. When I was teaching Preschool and Kindergarten, I saw many kids who had weak fine motor skills. I created a variety of fine motor activities to use in the classroom for students of all skill levels, as everyone can use a little help. Many parents wanted to work on fine motor skills at home too and they often asked me for ideas. The activities I will be sharing today will help kids strengthen their skills while incorporating learning from various parts of the curriculum. I just love sneaking in some learning wherever I can, don't you?
Click on the links or photos to be taken to the post and see the full activity.

Pushing Toothpicks
This activity requires 2 supplies and is pretty easy to take anywhere.

Fine Motor Work with Golf Tees

Kids will be gaining strength as they push tees in foam. Even a toddler can do it! 

Tong Transfer 

In addition to fine motor practice, you can use this activity to help with color recognition.

Play Dough and Beads

What kid doesn't love play dough? Take advantage of that by adding some beads for fine motor practice.

Patterned Bead Snakes

Stringing beads on a pipe cleaner is a great way to work on fine motor skills. Add some fun by creating a snake.

Fruit Loop Towers

Raid your pantry for this yummy activity that will have kids reaching and grasping for more.

Making Straw Jewelry

Fun for little fingers! This is another activity that my preschoolers and toddler both enjoyed.

Woven Paper Place mats

Little hands get quite the workout as they weave paper under and over to create a pretty place mat.

Fine Motor Work with A Colander

Love this new use for a strainer or colander! In addition to being a great fine motor activity, this unleashes imagination and keeps kids busy. Win!

You Can Count on Me

Math combined with fine motor work? Count me in! (pun very much intended)

Color Drop Game

You can make this game yourself and it helps kids learn their colors in addition to fine motor skills.

Fine Motor Cupcakes

Cupcake liners and pom poms combine to make a tasty fine motor treat.

Learning with Coins

This activity combines math, money skills and fine motor. Best of all, everyone has coins.

Marshmallow Sculptures

Kids will have no idea they are actually building small motor skills while playing with marshmallows.

Fine Motor Fun with Pipe Cleaners

I consider pipe cleaners an essential fine motor item. They sell them at the dollar store so pick some up and play!

Hanging Socks

Not only does this help improve fine motor skills, it encourages kids to help out around the house.

Counting with Beads and Pipe Cleaners

Pipe cleaners again? Did you buy them yet? Practice counting and math skills while working those little muscles.

Making Colors

Kids learn all about color mixing while practicing important fine motor work.

Okay, that should keep you busy for some time!