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Lesson 5 - Threading and Control Skills

Fine Motor Foundations

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Reception

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Fine Motor Skills

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59 min

Big Question

How can we improve our fine motor control through threading and carrying activities?

Learning Objectives

Develop fine motor control through threading and carrying activities
Improve hand-eye coordination and bilateral coordination skills
Understand the effects of physical activity on the body

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved fine motor control in threading and carrying tasks
Students will show better coordination when moving with equipment
Students will be able to explain how their body feels after activity

Equipment & Resources Required

Elastic Bands

30-40 per group

Place in hoops 20m from starting positions

Alternative: Hair bands, rubber loops

Plastic Beakers

1 per pair (15)

Place by students' feet at starting line

Alternative: Cups, containers with rim

Coloured Cones

25 each of 5 colours

5 colours at start line, matching sets 20m away

Alternative: Bean bags, coloured hoops

Threading Laces

15 pieces

Tie large knot at one end of each piece

Alternative: Thick string, shoelaces

Straws

100+ pieces (6cm length)

Cut to uniform 6cm lengths, place in hoops

Alternative: Plastic straws, tube pasta

Spoon

Ensure all spoons are similar size

Alternative: Large serving spoons, ladles

Golf Balls

Use golf balls for safety, eggs for authentic challenge

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags

Large Bolts

50+ pieces

Ensure holes are large enough for threading

Alternative: Large beads, washers

Key Vocabulary

Threading

Passing thread or string through holes in objects

Pincer grip

Using thumb and finger tips to pick up small objects

Balance

Keeping objects steady while moving

Coordination

Using different parts of your body together smoothly

Control

Being able to manage your movements carefully

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic pincer grip development
Simple object manipulation
Following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Controlled threading movements
Bilateral coordination with equipment
Spatial awareness while moving

Next Steps

More complex threading patterns
Fine motor skills in tool use
Advanced coordination challenges

Milestone Indicators

Consistent pincer grip control

Smooth threading motion

Confident equipment handling

Key Teaching Points

Pincer grip is fundamental to all fine motor development
Bilateral coordination improves with practice and patience
Threading activities develop hand-eye coordination essential for writing
Physical activity affects heart rate and energy levels
Cooperation and turn-taking are essential life skills
Persistence with challenging tasks builds confidence
Safety awareness prevents injuries and builds responsibility

Common Misconceptions

Students may think faster is always better - emphasise control over speed
Some believe they can't improve fine motor skills - stress that practice makes progress
Threading is only for certain people - ensure all students feel capable
Physical effects of exercise are temporary - explain ongoing health benefits
Individual work is more important than cooperation - emphasise partnership value

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, movement breaks, clear physical boundaries for each activity

dyspraxia

Larger threading materials, slower demonstration pace, additional practice time, simplified movements

autism spectrum

Clear activity sequence cards, quiet retreat space available, consistent routine structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Adapted threading materials with larger holes, seated versions of activities, modified equipment sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding cause and effect in threading, observing changes in heart rate and breathing during activity

Communication and Language

Following complex instructions, describing physical sensations, explaining techniques to others

Mathematics

Counting elastic bands and straws, measuring distances, one-to-one correspondence in threading

PSHE

Cooperation and turn-taking, persistence with challenging tasks, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position for demonstrations, circulate during activities to provide individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for pincer grip development, bilateral coordination, persistence with challenging tasks

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with techniques, ensure safety with equipment, encourage positive partnerships

Demonstration Notes

Use oversized materials for whole group demos, provide individual guidance during activities, model positive encouragement

Verbal Cues

•'Pincer grip - thumb and finger together!'
•'Steady hand holds, moving hand threads!'
•'Walk carefully with your equipment!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall space minimum 15m x 20m for running activities

Surface Check

Clean, dry surface free from small objects that could be slipped on

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check elastic bands for tears or weak points
•Ensure beakers have no sharp edges
•Verify all small objects are appropriate size (no choking hazards)

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slipping when running with equipment
•Elastic band snapping back
•Small objects falling and creating slip hazards

Risk Mitigation

•Establish walking pace when carrying equipment
•Demonstrate safe elastic band handling technique
•Immediate cleanup of dropped items
•Clear boundaries and pathways

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all three stations
•Monitor elastic band handling carefully
•Watch for students putting small objects near mouth

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any equipment-related incident, first aid available, clear evacuation route maintained