Fine Motor Skills: The Milestones and How to Support Development
Fine motor skills refers to the coordination and control of small muscles in the hands, wrists, and fingers that are used for tasks like writing, drawing, buttoning, and using utensils.
These skills develop as children build physical abilities like core strength and shoulder stability, which give a solid base for controlled arm and hand movements.
This blog post will outline the importance of fine motor development, typical milestones to look for across development, and some ways that you can help support fine motor skills at home.
Please note: children develop at different rates and their fine motor skills will develop over time with exposure and experience using these skills through play and everyday actions.
Why is it important to think about your child’s fine motor development?
Fine motor skills enable children to touch, hold, and manipulate objects. Without strong fine motor skills, children may struggle with everyday tasks like eating, dressing, and writing. Delays in early fine motor development can result in challenges with muscle development and control, independent play skills, and sensory development. Encouraging fine motor development provides essential tools for life, enhancing your child’s ability to explore, learn, and grow independently.
Here are some fine motor milestones to look for across development:
0-6 months
- Brings hand to, or near the mouth
- Places their hands in their mouth
- Hands are more relaxed
- Begins reaching with both hands at the same time
- Reaches and holds, or shakes a small toy using both hands
6-12 months
- Reaches and puts objects into mouth
- Transfers objects from one hand to another
- Picks up smaller objects with thumb and one finger
- Points with index finger
- Bangs objects together
- Releases toys in controlled manner
1-2 years
- Builds simple towers with 3 or more blocks
- Turns thick pages of a book
- Paints or draws using a fisted grip and whole arm movement
- Scribbles
- Finger feeding
- Brings spoon to mouth
- Holds and drinks from cup independently
2-3 years 
- Strings large beads
- Holds crayon with thumb and fingers (not fist)
- Uses one hand consistently for most activities
- Imitates circular, vertical, and horizontal pencil strokes
- Pounds, rolls, squeezes playdoh
- Eats without assistance
3-4 years
- Copies a circle
- Builds a large tower
- Manipulates playdoh (rolls into balls, makes snakes, cookies, etc.)
- Snips paper using scissors
- Imitates a cross
- Uses non-dominant hand to assist and stabilise the use of objects
4-5 years
- Cuts on a line continuously
- Writes name
- Writes number 1-5
- Copies letters
- Handedness is well established
- Dresses and undresses independently
5-6 years
- Cuts out simple shapes
- Colours in the lines
- Copies a triangle
- Uses 3 fingers on the pencil to generate movement
- Draws basic pictures (person, house, playground, etc)
- Pastes and glues effectively
6-7 years
- Forms most letters and numbers consistently and correctly
- Demonstrates good pencil control
- Good endurance for writing
- Writes consistently on the lines
- Ties shoelaces independently
- Builds with smaller blocks (e.g., lego)
7+ years
- Maintains legibility of handwriting for an entire story
How to support fine motor skills across development:
0-6 Months
- Tummy time: Encourages reaching and grasping.
- Soft toys and rattles: Promotes grabbing and shaking.
6-12 Months
- Finger foods: Encourages pincer grasp development.
- Stacking cups: Enhances hand-eye coordination.
- Soft books: Supports page-turning and tactile exploration.
1-2 Years
- Large crayons: Encourages scribbling and grasp control.
- Shape sorters: Promotes problem-solving and hand manipulation.
- Simple puzzles: Develops fine motor and cognitive skills.
2-3 Years
- Playdough: Strengthens hand muscles through squeezing and molding.
- Beading: Improves precision and hand-eye coordination.
- Cutting with safety scissors: Introduces controlled cutting and hand strength.
3-4 Years
- Lacing cards: Enhances threading skills and dexterity.
- Building blocks: Supports creative construction and fine motor skills.
- Simple art projects: Develops fine motor control through coloring and painting.
4-5 Years
- Buttoning practice: Encourages independence with clothing.
- Craft activities: Involves cutting, gluing, and assembling.
- Tracing letters: Prepares for writing by developing hand control.
5-6 Years
- Writing and drawing: Reinforces fine motor control and hand strength.
- Board games: Improves precision in moving small pieces.
- Cooking activities: Involves stirring, pouring, and measuring.
6-7 Years
- Origami: Develops precision
- Journaling: Encourages regular writing practice.
- Sewing: Introduces basic stitching and hand control.
7+ Years
- Model building: Supports detailed hand movements and patience.
- Advanced art projects: Encourages creativity and fine motor precision.
- Musical instruments: Enhances finger strength and coordination through playing.
Written by Occupational Therapist, Renee Williams