Motor development helps children build strength, coordination, and independence. At Teeny Beans, we recognize how important fine motor activities are for preschoolers. They help them become confident, independent learners. In this blog, we will learn more about motor development, why it matters, and how you can support it through various large motor activities for preschoolers and fine motor skills activities for preschoolers.

Why Motor Development Matters in Preschoolers

With Motor development children learn to become more coordinated and gain control over their muscle movements and become more coordinated. It has two broad classifications:

Motor Skill Type	Description	Examples
Fine Motor Skills	Develops the small muscles of the hands and fingers in children.	Writing, cutting, buttoning, and picking small objects
Large Motor Skills	Involve larger muscle groups for bigger movements	Jumping, running, climbing, dancing

Both of these are essential for everyday tasks. Small tasks that we take for granted, for children, are a tasking series of small movements that little children have to master and perfect over time. Tying shoelaces, feeding oneself, sitting upright, and walking in a straight line are a few of such tasks. With well-developed motor skills, children can participate in all the class activities and become more confident. 

Strengthening Fine Motor Muscles

The most effective method to promote motor muscle growth is by engaging preschoolers in daily fine motor activities. These not only develop muscle but also improve concentration, perseverance, and self-reliance. From arts and craft activities to using Montessori materials (as encouraged in Teeny Beans), kids become fully absorbed in activities that require using their hands and fingers. 

To develop substantial motor coordination, it is essential to include whole-body activities—such as balancing, crawling, and dancing—into everyday routines. 

10 Easy Motor Development Activities for Preschoolers 

 

Activity Name	What You Need	How to Do It (Step-by-Step)	Skills Developed
1. Bead Threading (Montessori)	Large beads, shoelace or string	1. Tie a knot at one end of the lace.  2. Show the child how to insert beads one by one. 3. Let them do it independently.	Fine motor control, hand-eye coordination
2. Pouring Beans/Water (Montessori)	Two small pitchers, dry beans or water	1. Fill one pitcher. 2. The child pours from one pitcher to another.  3. Encourage back-and-forth pouring.	Wrist control, focus, hand strength
3. Button & Zipper Frames (Montessori)	Montessori dressing frames (or old clothes)	1. Show how to button and unzip slowly.  2. Let the child try. 3. Give time and repeat daily.	Fine motor skills, self-dressing independence
4. Transferring with Tongs (Montessori)	Child-safe tongs, cotton balls, and two bowls	1. Place cotton balls in one bowl. 2. The child is shown how to pick the cotton ball and transfer it to the bowl.  3. Encourage repetition.	Finger grip, hand strength, coordination
5. Playdough Shapes	Playdough, rolling pin, shape cutters	1. Give the child playdough. 2. Show how to roll the dough and create shapes. 3. Let them create freely.	Muscle strength, imagination, fine motor
6. Sponge Squeeze Relay (Fine + Large Motor)	Sponges, two bowls (one with water)	1. Fill one bowl with water. 2. The child dips the sponge in the water-filled bowl, then squeezes the water out into the empty bowl. 3. Repeat until the bowl fills.	Arm strength, gross motor, fine motor
7. Obstacle Course Adventure (Fine + Large Motor)	Cones, tunnel, string hoops, mat	1. Set a simple course: jump, crawl, thread a string.  2. Demonstrate and cheer them on.  3. Adjust the difficulty as needed.	Balance, coordination, and problem-solving
8. Sticker Puzzles	Stickers, matching outlines on paper	1. Give the child a puzzle board. 2. The child matches stickers to outlines.  3. Encourage the pincer/pencil grip technique.	Grip strength, visual skills, and accuracy
9. Tearing & Pasting	Old magazines, glue stick, chart paper	1. Let the child tear pieces.  2. Apply glue on the chart.  3. Stick torn paper to form shapes, animals, or abstract art.	Bilateral coordination, creativity
10. Chalk Water Painting	Chalk, small bowl of water, dark-colored paper	1. Dip chalk in water.  2. Draw on dark paper to see bright colors. 3. Encourage free drawing or tracing shapes.	Pencil grip, pre-writing skills, color focus

Motor Activities at Home: Parents as Partners

Even at home, parents can help children strengthen their fine and gross muscles. A few everyday items present at our homes, along with some guided help, can go a long way.

Here are some tips:

• Encourage independence in dressing and feeding.
• “Motor activity time” can be a part of the daily family routine.
• Praise effort over perfection to build confidence.
  
  

Development Chart: Fine & Large Motor Milestones

Age	Fine Motor Milestones	Large Motor Milestones
2-3 Yrs	Turns pages, stacks 4-6 blocks, uses a spoon	Jumps with both feet, climbs stairs with help
3-4 Yrs	Draws circles, uses scissors, buttons clothes	Runs smoothly, pedals tricycle, climbs easily
4-5 Yrs	Prints some letters, uses a fork well	Hops on one foot, balances on one leg

Joy of learning Starts the right Way!

Motor development is more than physical growth. With motor development, a child becomes independent and confident. With fine motor developmental activity, the first few years of experiencing writing do not become traumatic for a child. With it comes the love of studying and learning because with higher classes, a child depends more on writing than not.

With consistent fine motor activities for preschoolers and large motor activities for preschoolers, a child becomes ready to tackle his education and take over the wider world. It is not just about writing neatly or running faster-—remember, what we want our children to experience is the joy of learning how.

So go ahead and roll out the playdough and set up the obstacle course so that motor skill building becomes a celebrated activity!

 

FAQs: How Teeny Beans Supports Motor Skill Development

Q1: How do preschools help children develop motor skills?

Preschools support motor skill development by including both fine motor activities (like grasping, tracing, and threading) and gross motor activities (such as jumping, stretching, and balancing) in daily routines. These activities are designed to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and build focus and independence in young children.

Q2: What kind of curriculum supports motor development in preschoolers?

An effective preschool curriculum for motor development is usually internationally benchmarked and play-based. Frameworks like EYFS, combined with Montessori principles, focus on balanced growth—physical, emotional, cognitive, and social—ensuring children develop motor skills naturally through hands-on learning.

Q3: What are common fine motor activities used in preschools?

Fine motor development is supported through activities such as:

• Tracing letters and shapes
• Pouring, spooning, and threading exercises
• Using age-appropriate tools and manipulatives
• Early handwriting and pre-writing exercises

These activities help strengthen hand muscles and improve pencil grip and hand-eye coordination.

Q4: Are gross motor (large motor) activities important for preschoolers?

Yes, gross motor activities are essential. Movement-based practices like yoga, stretching, balancing games, and free play help children develop coordination, body awareness, strength, and spatial control while also improving confidence and overall physical health.

Q5: Can technology support motor skill development in early childhood?

When used mindfully, technology can complement motor development. Interactive learning tools can engage children visually and cognitively, while hands-on activities ensure tactile and physical development. A balanced mix of digital interaction and physical play is key.

Q6: How often should motor skill activities be part of a preschool routine?

Motor skill development should be part of everyday learning, not limited to a single session. Activities can be integrated into:

• Morning routines
• Free play
• Art and craft time
• Structured lessons
• Movement and mindfulness sessions

Consistent exposure helps children build strength and coordination naturally.

Q7: Are preschool teachers trained to support motor development?

Yes, qualified preschool educators are typically trained in early childhood frameworks and child-centric teaching methodologies. This training enables them to design age-appropriate fine and gross motor activities that are safe, engaging, and developmentally effective.