Fine Motor Foundations
•Reception
•Fine Motor Skills
•Check pegs open and close smoothly
Alternative: Tweezers, tongs, or large clothes pegs
Place in centre circle initially, spread around for collection
Alternative: Small soft toys, rolled up socks
Check bands are not too tight or loose for children's hands
Alternative: Hair bands, rubber rings
Ensure beakers are stable and right size for elastic bands
Alternative: Small cups, containers
Check for allergies before use
Alternative: Foam cubes, ping pong balls
Ensure forks are safe with no sharp edges
Alternative: Cocktail sticks (with safety supervision), spoons
Wide enough for marshmallows to drop in easily
Alternative: Small containers, cups
Check blocks are clean and not splintered
Alternative: Large building blocks, wooden blocks
Large enough to contain equipment clearly
Alternative: Cones to mark areas, chalk circles
Mark boundaries and collection points
Alternative: Markers, spots
Being very careful and exact in your movements
How you hold something with your fingers and thumb
Making your body do exactly what you want it to do
Using different parts of your body together smoothly
Focusing your mind completely on what you're doing
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Counting bean bags and building blocks, understanding concepts of more/less between teams
Understanding forces - tension in elastic bands, grip strength, cause and effect in tool use
Perseverance when tasks are challenging, cooperation in team activities, celebrating others' achievements
Move around groups during stations, stay central during whole-class instruction
Watch for correct tool grip, safe movement patterns, and cooperation
Step in when children struggle with tool technique or become frustrated
Always demonstrate tool techniques slowly and clearly, emphasising finger and thumb placement
Large indoor space minimum 15m x 15m, or outdoor area if weather permits
Non-slip surface essential for running activities, check for wet patches
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required
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