Discover how playtime with these top 10 fine motor toys can transform your child’s fine motor skills and handwriting without them even realizing it!
Check out these amazing fine motor toys that make learning fun and effective. This post was created by Marra Robert, OTD, OTR/L in May 2023 and contains affiliate links.
This post was created by Marra Robert, OTD, OTRL and contains affiliate links.
Hi! My name is Marra and I’m a mama and a pediatric occupational therapist who has years of experience working with children with diverse developmental needs and helping their parents navigate the ups and downs of child development.
As a pediatric OT, I often work with children who struggle with handwriting and fine motor skills. You might be thinking that the only way to improve handwriting is to practice handwriting. For many of the kiddos
I work with, this is a non-preferred activity, and it is a struggle to get them to engage in any handwriting activity. I get it! Most of us don’t enjoy participating in activities that are really challenging.
This post is all about the top 10 fine motor toys that help improve your child’s handwriting.
There are many fine motor toys that children can play with to improve their fine motor skills and handwriting that have nothing to do with handwriting.
It’s so much more fun to find activities that kiddos truly enjoy and also address their goals. This is often a more effective way and they are improving their skills without realizing it. I’m a huge advocate for play-based therapy.
Bonus! These fine motor toys will not only improve handwriting, but will improve other functional skills as well including tying shoes, buttoning and unbuttoning, zippering, using utensils, opening containers, and many more.
It’s a win, win! Our hands do so many amazing things everyday!
TOP 10 FINE MOTOR TOYS TO IMPROVE HANDWRITING.
THeraputy
As an occupational therapist specializing in pediatric development, I’ve found the Special Supplies Therapy Putty to be exceptional fine motor toys for enhancing fine motor skills and improving handwriting in children. Here’s why:
One of the standout features of this therapy putty is its varying levels of resistance. It comes in four color-coded resistance levels, ranging from extra soft to firm.
This variety allows therapists and parents to tailor the exercise intensity to the child’s specific needs, making it suitable for a wide range of developmental stages.
The versatility of this putty is impressive. It can be used for a myriad of fine motor activities, such as finger strengthening, grip improvement, and precision exercises.
Whether squeezing, pinching, or rolling the putty, children engage multiple muscles in their hands and fingers, promoting dexterity and control.
Children are naturally drawn to colorful and visually stimulating materials. The vibrant colors of this therapy putty make it appealing and encourage active participation in therapy sessions or home practice.
This engagement is crucial for maintaining interest and motivation, especially during repetitive tasks aimed at skill development.
Safety is paramount, particularly when working with young children. This putty is non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals, ensuring a safe sensory experience.
Parents can have peace of mind knowing that their child is using a product that meets rigorous safety standards.
The convenient container makes it easy to transport the putty, whether for therapy sessions, school use, or travel. Its durability ensures long-lasting use, making it a cost-effective investment for ongoing therapy or home practice.
The fine motor skills honed through regular use of this putty directly translate to improved handwriting proficiency.
Strengthening hand muscles, enhancing finger coordination, and refining grip strength contribute to smoother penmanship and increased control over writing utensils.
Bears and Honeypots
The Bears and Honey Pots Fine Motor Toys are a delightful addition to any child’s playroom.
Designed with colorful bears and honey pots, these fine motor toys offers both entertainment and educational value, making it a great choice for improving fine motor skills and handwriting in children.
One of the standout features of these fine motor toys is its focus on fine motor development.
The various activities, such as picking up and sorting the bears into their corresponding honey pots, help children enhance their hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity.
These skills are crucial for tasks like holding a pencil and forming letters during handwriting practice.
Additionally, these fine motor toys encourage cognitive development through sorting and matching activities. Children can learn about colors, patterns, and sorting logic while engaging in imaginative play with the adorable bear and honey pot characters.
The durable construction of the Bears and Honey Pots Fine Motor Toys ensures long-lasting enjoyment, making it suitable for both individual play and group activities.
Its compact size also makes it ideal for on-the-go entertainment, whether at home, in the classroom, or while traveling.
Parents and educators will appreciate the educational benefits this toy offers. It provides a fun way for children to develop essential fine motor skills and readiness for handwriting, laying a strong foundation for future academic success.
Wooden Geoboard
As a parent and OT, I’ve had the pleasure of trying out the Magnetic Drawing Board fine motor toys with my clients, and it’s been a fantastic addition to our fine motor toys.
This drawing board offers a refreshing take on traditional drawing toys, combining the simplicity of a classic magnetic doodle board with modern features that enhance children’s fine motor skills and handwriting development.
One of the standout features of this drawing board is its large drawing area, which provides ample space for children to unleash their creativity.
The magnetic pen and stamps are easy to grip, making it suitable for young children who are still developing their hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
I’ve noticed that using the pen to trace letters and shapes on the board has helped my students improve their pencil grip and control, which are crucial skills for handwriting readiness.
The erasable function of the board is another highlight. Unlike paper-based activities, children can freely experiment and make mistakes without wastage, fostering a sense of experimentation and confidence in their abilities.
The ability to erase with a simple swipe also encourages children to practice writing letters, numbers, and words repeatedly, reinforcing muscle memory and letter formation.
Additionally, the colorful stamps included with the drawing board add an element of fun and creativity to the learning process. Children can use the stamps to create patterns, designs, and even practice counting and math concepts through visual representation.
This interactive aspect keeps children engaged and motivated to practice their fine motor skills and handwriting without feeling like a chore.
In terms of durability and portability, the Sunany Magnetic Drawing Board excels. The sturdy construction ensures it can withstand daily use by energetic young learners, while its lightweight and compact design make it easy to take on-the-go, whether to grandma’s house or on long car rides.
Overall, I highly recommend the Sunany Magnetic Drawing Board for parents, therapists, teachers, and caregivers looking for a versatile and engaging tool to support children’s fine motor skills, handwriting development, and creative expression.
It’s a valuable investment that promotes learning through play and fosters a love for writing and drawing in young learners.
WOODEN TOOL KIT FOR KIDS
The KIDWILL Colorful Wooden Tool Kit is an educational fine motor toys that offers a wide range of benefits for children. From enhancing fine motor skills to fostering creativity and imagination, this tool kit is designed to engage young minds in constructive play.
One of the standout features of this product is its vibrant and eye-catching design. The wooden pieces come in a variety of bright colors, making them visually appealing and attractive to children. This can help capture their attention and encourage active participation in playtime activities.
The kit includes various tools such as screws, nuts, bolts, and tools like a screwdriver and wrench. These components are not only fun to play with but also serve an educational purpose.
As children manipulate the different parts and assemble them, they are refining their fine motor skills. The act of turning screws, fastening bolts, and using tools requires precise hand movements, which can contribute to improved dexterity over time.
Furthermore, this tool kit promotes cognitive development by encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking. As children engage with the different pieces, they are challenged to figure out how they fit together to create various structures.
This process of trial and error helps build resilience and persistence, important skills that can benefit them in academic and real-world situations.
Another notable aspect of this product is its versatility. While it is designed primarily for building and construction play, the pieces can also be used imaginatively in other scenarios.
Children can incorporate the tools into pretend play scenarios, further stimulating their creativity and social skills as they interact with peers or adults.
In terms of its potential impact on handwriting skills, the KIDWILL Colorful Wooden Tool Kit indirectly contributes to hand strength and coordination.
Engaging in activities that require precise hand movements, such as manipulating small parts and using tools, can help strengthen the muscles needed for writing.
Additionally, the cognitive benefits of problem-solving and spatial awareness gained from playing with these fine motor toys can indirectly support the development of handwriting skills.
Overall, the KIDWILL Colorful Wooden Tool Kit offers a blend of fun, education, and skill development.
Its colorful design, hands-on activities, and open-ended play possibilities make it a valuable addition to any child’s toy collection, particularly for those looking to enhance fine motor skills, creativity, and cognitive abilities.
THE SNEAKY SNACKY SQUIRREL GAME
The Educational Insights Squirrel Game is a great fine motor toy, offering not only entertainment but also significant educational benefits.
Designed with toddlers and preschoolers in mind, this game is a powerhouse for developing fine motor skills and enhancing handwriting abilities.
One of the standout features of this game is its focus on hand-eye coordination. Children are tasked with using squirrel-shaped tweezers to pick up and place colorful acorns into matching holes on the game board.
This seemingly simple task is a goldmine for fine motor skill development. The precision required to grasp the acorns with the tweezers and then maneuver them into the correct slots engages the small muscles in the hands and fingers, honing dexterity and control.
Furthermore, the game promotes concentration and attention to detail. As children engage in the activity, they must focus on the colors of the acorns and match them accurately to the corresponding slots.
This process enhances visual discrimination skills and fosters a sense of order and organization.
Handwriting benefits abound in this playful setting. The act of using the tweezers mimics the grip and pressure needed for writing instruments, helping children strengthen their hand muscles and improve their pencil control.
The repetitive nature of the game also reinforces persistence and stamina, essential qualities for successful handwriting practice.
Beyond its educational merits, the Squirrel Game excels in capturing children’s interest and fostering a positive learning environment.
The colorful design, adorable squirrel theme, and interactive gameplay make it a hit among young learners. Parents and educators will appreciate its versatility as both a standalone game and a supplemental tool for fine motor and handwriting development.
LACE AND TRACE FARM SET
The Melissa & Doug Lace and Trace Activity Set stands out as an exceptional fine motor toy for honing children’s fine motor skills and enhancing their handwriting abilities.
This review delves into why this product is a valuable addition to any child’s developmental toolkit.
One of the standout features of this activity set is its engaging design. The set includes five sturdy, double-sided lacing panels featuring appealing themes like animals, vehicles, and shapes.
Each panel is crafted with care, ensuring durability through repeated use. The vibrant colors and charming illustrations instantly capture a child’s attention, making learning a fun and enjoyable experience.
The lace and trace activity requires children to manipulate the provided laces through designated holes on the panels.
This process engages their fine motor skills as they grasp, thread, and maneuver the laces.
These actions help strengthen hand muscles, improve hand-eye coordination, and refine dexterity, all of which are crucial for tasks like writing, drawing, and using utensils effectively.
The intricate movements involved in lacing and tracing directly contribute to improving handwriting skills. As children practice threading the laces through the holes, they are essentially refining their pencil grasp and control.
This translates into more precise movements when holding a pen or pencil, leading to neater and more legible handwriting over time.
Beyond fine motor and handwriting benefits, this activity set offers versatility and diverse learning opportunities. Children can explore patterns, shapes, and colors as they engage with different panels.
The reversible design adds variety, keeping the activity fresh and engaging for extended periods. Moreover, parents and educators can use the panels to facilitate discussions about the featured themes, fostering cognitive development alongside motor skill enhancement.
Melissa & Doug are renowned for their commitment to quality and safety, reflected in this activity set.
The panels are made from durable materials, ensuring long-lasting use even with enthusiastic play. The laces are also designed to withstand handling, providing a reliable and safe learning experience for children.
In conclusion, the Melissa & Doug Lace and Trace Activity Set is a standout product for promoting fine motor skills and enhancing handwriting abilities in children.
Its engaging design, focus on motor skill development, versatility, and durability make it a worthwhile investment for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about nurturing children’s holistic development.
SQUIGZ
Squigz are delightful fine motor toys that captivates children’s imaginations while also enhancing their fine motor skills and handwriting abilities.
Designed with vibrant colors and a unique suction cup construction, Squigz encourages creativity and exploration in young minds.
One of the key features of Squigz is its tactile nature. The suction cups allow children to experiment with different textures and shapes, promoting sensory development and hand-eye coordination.
As they press and connect the Squigz pieces, they engage their fine motor skills, strengthening the muscles in their hands and fingers crucial for tasks like writing and drawing.
Furthermore, Squigz fosters problem-solving skills as children experiment with building structures and patterns.
This hands-on approach to learning encourages spatial reasoning and cognitive development, which are essential foundations for handwriting and other academic skills.
Additionally, Squigz promotes social interaction and collaboration. Whether children are playing independently or with friends, they learn valuable communication skills, teamwork, and sharing—all of which contribute to a holistic development that supports handwriting proficiency
SUPER SORTING PIE
The Learning Resources Sorting Set is an engaging educational fine motor toy designed to enhance children’s fine motor skills and promote better handwriting through interactive play.
The set includes various sorting cards with colorful patterns and numbers, providing children with diverse sorting tasks. Sorting activities require precise hand movements, encouraging fine motor skill development.
By sorting different shapes, colors, and numbers, children enhance their ability to manipulate objects with accuracy and control, which translates into improved handwriting skills.
The sorting set comes with manipulative elements such as tweezers or tongs, allowing children to pick up and move small objects. This action helps in refining hand-eye coordination and strengthening hand muscles crucial for handwriting.
The use of tools like tweezers adds a layer of complexity to the activities, making them more challenging and engaging for children, thus sustaining their interest and motivation to practice fine motor skills
The pattern cards included in the set encourage children to recognize and replicate patterns using various shapes and colors. This activity promotes cognitive skills while simultaneously refining fine motor abilities.
Pattern recognition lays a strong foundation for handwriting as it involves understanding sequences and repetitions, which are fundamental aspects of letter formation and writing fluency.
The tactile experience offered by this sorting set engages multiple senses, including touch and sight, enriching the learning process. Children learn best when they can interact physically with materials, making this set highly effective for skill development.
The multisensory approach also benefits children with different learning styles, ensuring that each child can engage with the activities in a way that suits them best, leading to more meaningful skill acquisition.
Consistent engagement with the Learning Resources Sorting Set can lead to long-term improvements in fine motor skills and handwriting. Regular practice with the set’s activities strengthens hand muscles and refines coordination, laying a solid groundwork for proficient writing abilities.
As children progress through the various sorting and pattern recognition tasks, they build confidence in their abilities, which positively impacts their willingness to tackle more complex writing tasks in academic settings.
COUNTING SORTING TOY SET
As a parent keen on nurturing my child’s development, I recently purchased the Counting and Threading Toy Set, and I must say, it’s been a game-changer.
This set is designed with a variety of engaging activities that not only entertain but also effectively contribute to enhancing fine motor skills and handwriting abilities in children.
One of the standout features of this fine motor toy set is its versatility. It includes tweezers, scissors, and colorful beads, offering a range of activities that keep children engaged and motivated to practice essential skills.
The tweezers encourage precise grasping and manipulation, which is crucial for developing hand strength and coordination necessary for tasks like holding a pencil correctly.
Moreover, the threading activity with beads promotes hand-eye coordination and concentration as children carefully thread beads onto strings.
This activity mimics the motions involved in writing and helps improve dexterity and control of hand movements. It’s an excellent way to introduce children to the concept of patterns and sequences while honing their fine motor skills.
The addition of child-safe scissors in the set is another highlight. Learning to use scissors effectively requires hand strength and coordination, and this toy provides a safe and enjoyable environment for children to practice cutting skills.
The colorful, chunky handles make it easy for little hands to grip and maneuver the scissors confidently.
What I appreciate most about this toy set is its educational value. It incorporates counting activities, color recognition, and sorting, adding an element of learning to the play.
Children not only refine their motor skills but also reinforce cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and spatial awareness.
Pull Pop Tubes
The Pull Tube Construction Set is a delightful and engaging product that promises not only hours of fun but also significant benefits in developing children’s fine motor skills and handwriting abilities.
As a reviewer, I find this toy to be an excellent addition to any child’s playtime arsenal.
One of the key features that make this product stand out is its focus on hands-on construction. The set includes colorful tubes and connectors that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing children to create various shapes, structures, and patterns.
This hands-on approach encourages children to use their fingers and hands in a precise and coordinated manner, thus contributing to the development of their fine motor skills.
The act of pulling and connecting the tubes requires a certain level of dexterity and control, further enhancing children’s hand-eye coordination and finger strength. These skills are crucial for tasks such as writing, drawing, and manipulating objects in daily life.
In terms of promoting handwriting skills, the OleOletOy Construction Set offers several benefits.
Firstly, the act of manipulating the tubes and connectors requires children to use a pincer grasp, where they use their thumb and index finger to pick up and manipulate small objects. This grasp is essential for holding a pencil and forming letters accurately.
Secondly, the set encourages creativity and imagination, prompting children to design and build unique structures. This creative process helps develop cognitive skills such as planning, problem-solving, and spatial awareness, all of which are essential for handwriting and academic success.
These fine motor toys can be used in conjunction with activities that promote pre-writing skills, such as tracing shapes and patterns using the tubes. This helps children practice the hand movements and coordination needed for writing letters and numrs.br