Friday Folder

This is an activity that I LOVE and the kids love it too! Hay even complained today that he hasn't had a chance to do it yet. As I searched for things that would help with fine motor skills for Keaton I came across push pinning. He still has shaky little hands when he tries to write or cut. We used to think it was due to his asthma meds but he hasn't needed those in awhile (Praise the Lord!) so I'm not sure if those skills just haven't developed or if he inherited the shaky hand syndrome from his daddy and grandpa. I came across this activity and it was so easy (of course) and I believe it is actually helping!

I cut a couple squares of carpet from a small roll I found in our basement and taped cardboard to the back to make it more sturdy. Siara helps me trace different designs on construction paper (we use stencils and just about anything we can find to trace). I started with basic shapes but we have now done letters, animals, and other things. The only other thing you need is a push pin.

(of course I don't know how to rotate this!)

You place the paper on the carpet mat and then they use the push pin to trace the outline by poking holes all around it. The way they hold the pin is pretty much the proper way to hold a pencil! Sometimes I do a little correcting if he's in a hurry but for the most part he holds it right. The groove in the pin is perfect for their little index finger and thumb to fit into and there's not room for any other fingers! This was great because I could not quite get this little guy to hold his pencil correctly and it has improved greatly! 

You can do seasonal themes or whatever you can find to trace. My kiddos love to put their pictures in the window after they've finished and let the light shine through the holes. You can't really see the pictures well but I am so glad I found this. I just wish I had found it sooner so we were a little further along with this skill!

You can find this and other fine motor activities at  http://www.thevirtualvine.com/finemotor.html.