Fine Motor Skill Training
Strong, precise little hands for writing, buttoning and self-care.
Suitable for ages 2 – 12 years
Overview
Fine motor skills depend on hand strength, finger isolation, in-hand manipulation, bilateral coordination and eye-hand control. We assess each component separately so therapy targets the true weak link rather than simply asking a child to write more.
Sessions use theraputty, tweezers, pegboards, lacing, construction toys and graded scissor work, progressing from gross grasp to refined pincer control.
Signs your child may need this therapy
- Cannot manage buttons, zips or shoelaces at an age-appropriate stage
- Avoids colouring, cutting or craft activities
- Uses a whole-fist grasp on crayons beyond age three
- Drops small objects frequently or has a weak grip
- Uses both hands interchangeably with no hand preference by age five
- Letters are large, uneven and slow to produce
Benefits of Fine Motor Skill Training
- Improved hand and finger strength
- Efficient tripod pencil grasp
- Accurate scissor and cutlery use
- Faster, less tiring written work
- Independence in dressing and self-care
- More willingness to attempt craft and classroom tasks
Treatment process
- STEP 1
Detailed OT evaluation
A 60–75 minute session covering developmental history, sensory profile, muscle tone, coordination, hand skills and daily-living independence, using tools such as the Sensory Profile-2 and DASII/Peabody-based motor measures.
- STEP 2
Shared goal setting
We translate findings into 3–5 functional goals that matter at home and school — holding a pencil, sitting through a meal, tolerating a haircut, buttoning a shirt.
- STEP 3
Individual therapy plan
Your child receives a written plan specifying session frequency, activity progression, equipment used and the home programme that supports it.
- STEP 4
Weekly play-based sessions
45-minute one-to-one sessions in our sensory gym and fine-motor studio. Activities are graded so your child is always working just beyond their comfort zone, never past it.
- STEP 5
Parent training
The last 10 minutes of every session are for you: what we did, why, and the two or three things to practise before the next visit.
- STEP 6
Progress review
Formal re-assessment every 12 weeks with a written report, updated goals and a discharge pathway once targets are met.
FAQ
Fine Motor Skill Training — your questions answered
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Not sure where to start? Begin with an assessment.
One hour with our team gives you a clear picture of your child's development and a written plan you can act on — whether or not you continue therapy with us.