In my classroom I have my students often struggle with developing the fine motor skills that are necessary to learn how to write as they move toward elementary school. It is not as simple as just picking up a pencil and following some dots on a paper to form a letter. Children go through a specific process to be prepared for writing. This process progresses from scribbling or "pre-phonemic" to letter-like forms and shapes to strings of random letters. To develop fine motor skills, children need to build and support the muscles in their hands, arms, chest, and core. Providing students with plenty of opportunities to use these muscles is essential.
This project aims to offer students tools, activities, fine motor tasks, and opportunities for manipulative play.
It is essential to provide these opportunities to students early on so that fine motor skills are developed as they grow. Students who struggle with fine motor tasks often engage in negative or attention-seeking behaviors to avoid writing or other fine motor tasks that may be difficult for them. Therefore, providing a variety of materials that work different muscles and parts of the body is important. Fine motor development begins with building upper body and core strength, which is why offering a variety of materials and activities that support these various muscles is crucial. Hands-on learning tools not only promote motor development but also increase social opportunities for students to work with their peers. These social opportunities promote sharing, turn-taking, problem-solving, and opportunities that promote language development. Learning to write is a complex and intricate process, and the opportunities we offer our students make a significant difference.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Coogam Magnetic Letters Practicing Board, Magnets Tracing ABC Alphabet Board Learning to Write Uppercase&Lowercase Educational Toy Fine Motor Montessori Gift for 3 4 5 Years Old Preschool Kids
• Amazon Business
$21.98
4
$87.92
Lakeshore Dough - Set 1 - Set of 6 Colors
• Lakeshore Learning Materials
$74.99
1
$74.99
ECR4Kids Art Trays, Craft Organizer, Contemporary, 6-Piece
• Amazon Business
$18.70
3
$56.10
Inslat Montessori Screwdriver Board Set, Wooden Montessori Toys for 3 4 5 Year Old Kids, Educational Screw Board Sensory Learning Toys STEM Fine Motor Skills Toys
• Amazon Business
$17.80
3
$53.40
Sausmy Montessori Screwdriver Board Set & Keys Set for Kids Fine Motor Skills Toys Wooden Montessori Materials Basic Skills Sensory Learning Toys Wooden Tool Set for 3 4 5 Year Old Kid, Toddlers
• Amazon Business
$19.99
2
$39.98
MEROCO Montessori Screw Driver Board for Kids Montessori Materials Basic Skills Educational Learning Toys for 3 4 5 Year Old Kids Toddlers Sensory Montessori Toy Preschool Classroom Fine Motor Skills
• Amazon Business
$19.69
2
$39.38
14 Pcs Kids Montessori Screwdriver Board Set, Wooden Screw Driver Activities Tools Montessori Toys for 3 4 5 Year Old, Basic Skills Educational Sensory Learning Toy for Kids Toddlers Preschool
• Amazon Business
Play Dough Tools Set for Kids - Playdough Toys Accessories with Stamps Cutter Rolling Pin and Storage Box, Party Favors Set for Age 2-8
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
Materials cost
$409.73
Vendor shipping charges
$4.55
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.15
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$450.43
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$79.49
Total project goal
$529.92
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$529.92
1 Donor
-$225.22
Donations toward project cost
-$225.22
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$0.00
match offer
-$264.95
Match offer toward project cost
-$225.21
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Lusk-Hauswirth and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
