For the most part, the sequence of fine motor skills development is the same for all children, but the pace at which they acquire the skills differs. These skills, called developmental milestones, are acquired by the natural interaction, physical growth, and learning patterns children gain in their first years of life. Each child is different, and all develop at their own pace.
I will break down the sequence of fine motor development here. These skills use the body's small muscles to accomplish tasks such as picking up a tiny cracker, holding a pencil, feeding, and dressing.
Age 0 - 3 months:
Start out with the reflexive grasp
Start to relax hands and not hold them grasped; thumbs out more
Reach for objects
Age 3 - 6 months:
Hold things with 2 hands
Starts to hold items and move them around
Starts to hold hands together in the center
Age 6 - 9 months:
Starts to grasp things and rake them towards their body
Holds a bottle
Uses index finger to touch things
Touches fingers together
Squeezes items
Age 9 - 12 months:
Develops the pincer grasp (uses thumb and index finger to pick up objects)
Can move items with hand into a cup
Feeds themselves, though not proficiently
Bangs things together
Begins to show a preference for one hand over another
Age 12 - 18 months:
Scribbles on paper
Waves goodbye
Can scoop items up with shovel or spoon
Builds a tower of 2 blocks
Age 18 months - 2 years:
Can turn pages in a book one at a time
Holds crayons with thumb and fingertips
Puts rings on pegs
Opens loosely wrapped items
Builds a tower of 3-4 blocks
Age 2 years:
Turns a doorknob
Stacks blocks of 9 or higher
Can wash hands independently
Zips and unzips large zippers
Age 3 years:
Uses a scissor to cut paper in half
Can draw a circle
Can string beads on a string
Uses one hand consistently in most activities
Age 4 years:
Can get dressed and undressed without help
Writes name
Copies a few letters and numbers
Can touch fingertip to end of nose
Can touch each fingertip to the thumb's fingertip
Cuts on a line
Age 5 years:
Can cut out a circle
Copies a triangle
Holds pencil correctly
Pastes and glues appropriately
Ties shoelaces
Age 6 years:
Builds a castle with blocks
Can put puzzles together alone with 16-20 pieces
Colors in the lines
Uses a knife to cut food
Your doctor will review these milestones with you at yearly well-checks to ensure your child is on track with the development of their fine motor skills. If you think your child is falling behind, check with a pediatrician. They may recommend specialists in your area that can help your child build these skills.
