In the Montessori classroom, the environment is designed to be hands on and interactive. We encourage the children to explore using their hands, which strengthens their fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are developed through small movements we make with our hands, fingers and arms. We use these skills doing everyday tasks such a dressing, feeding ourselves and turning pages of books. The children are seen here using some of the Refinement of Movement activities that are provided in the Under 3 classroom. The lock and key activity promotes eye-hand coordination, twisting movements, and a pincer grasp. The cutting activity allows the children to strengthen their hand muscles and grip strength. Both types of materials enhance the coordination of two hands working together. Refinement of Movement skills aid manual dexterity and build the foundation for future everyday activities such as printing and cutting.
