Did you see Google today? And those 5 balls of colored clay? I wonder if Art Clokey played with plasticine as a child and that was the inspiration for Gumby? Gumby is the inspiration for today’s post about kindergarten readiness and fine motor skills.
At a recent event I spoke with an Occupational Therapist about early childhood development. I asked her if she had advice and suggestions for parents and caregivers of little ones that I could write about on my blog. Here are some of the things that she shared:
- The early years are a critical time for development of small muscles in the hands.
- Kids need to be able to effectively use muscles in the hands for many functions all of their lives.
- Fine motor activities that practice these small skills help to ensure both proper muscle and functional development.
Using playdough, play clay, silly putty and plasticine are fun ways for your child to exercise small motor muscles and practice fine motor skills. This will help for readiness for kindergarten, too. Using any of these what can you and your child create to go with Gumby and a pumpkin?