YOUNG LEARNERS Embedding fine motor activities into the Preparatory School curriculum By Mrs Kathryn Edwards and Mrs Geraldine Roberts, Preparatory School Learning Support Teachers At Pymble, we believe the early years of a child’s education set the foundation for future learning. When it comes to achievement, a surprising, yet robust predictor, is fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are defined as small muscle movements, namely those of the fingers, which include grasping, holding and pinching. These movements come so naturally to most people that we usually don’t think about them and they are essential for early learning. Poor fine motor skills can make cognitive learning and performance difficult because of the concomitant need for fine motor skills in cognitive activities. Fine motor skills are essential for independence and functioning in the classroom and an important component of children’s wellbeing.
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he typical day of a Kindergarten student includes activities that build or display cognitive skills that simultaneously require the use of fine motor skills, including: pencil grasp and handwriting, scissor grasp and cutting paper, folding paper, drawing, colouring, removing glue caps and gluing, painting, using manipulatives in mathematical activities, writing endurance, tying shoelaces and managing buttons, zippers and fasteners. In 2019, we investigated ways to embed fine motor activities into teaching programs to maximise opportunities to build motor skill development for all Kindergarten students. To understand the rationale for this, it is important to ascertain how fine motor skills and cognitive development are inextricably linked with each other and ultimately lead to academic success.
Kathryn and Geraldine presenting their research to colleagues in a Reflect, Review, Renew (RRRPL) Session
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Illuminate EDITION 3 2019
During motor development, we learn how to learn. Unprecedented neuroimaging and neuroanatomy research by Diamond (2000) found evidence for a motor cognition association. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that plays an important role in motor control. While the frontal lobe controls movement, the cerebellum finetunes this movement contributing to coordination, precision and accurate timing. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a region of the frontal lobes that plays important roles in cognitive control, executive function, working memory and attention.
Pymble Ladies’ College
