Building Little Bodies, Big Skills: A Holistic Approach to Motor Development

By Leigh Anne, Pediatric Occupational Therapist

As an occupational therapist working with preschoolers, I get to witness daily the magic of movement — not just in how children learn to balance or hold a crayon, but in how they grow in confidence, creativity, and connection.

Over the years, I’ve seen a powerful shift in how we approach motor skills development in young children. Gone are the days of isolated drills and rigid activities. Today, we embrace a holistic, play-based approach — one that integrates movement, learning, emotions, and individuality.

Let me walk you through the latest thinking — and the practices I use every day to support fine and gross motor development in a way that’s engaging, inclusive, and full of joy.

🎲 1. Play-Based Learning: Where Real Growth Happens

Play is not “just fun.” It’s essential.

Through play, children develop physical skills, yes — but also cognitive abilities, emotional awareness, and social confidence. Activities like messy play, crawling through tunnels, building towers, or molding playdough strengthen both gross and fine motor skills in natural, meaningful ways.

I encourage parents and teachers to create time for:

• Unstructured free play — where children can explore at their own pace.

• Hands-on activities like threading, lacing, painting, and climbing.

• Construction play using blocks, magnets, or toys like LEGO.

When children are having fun, they’re not just developing muscles — they’re building minds.

💻 2. Thoughtful Technology Integration

Used wisely, technology can actually support motor development.

We now have interactive movement games and apps that get kids up and moving — dancing, balancing, or following movement patterns on screen. For children with developmental delays or disabilities, adaptive tech tools can help build specific motor skills in a safe, customized way.

It’s not about more screen time — it’s about the right kind of screen time.

🧸 3. Inclusive Environments Matter

Every child is different. As therapists, teachers, and parents, we need to meet them where they are.

• Tailored support: Some children may need more time or different strategies to develop certain skills. That’s okay. Progress is not always linear.

• Accessible spaces: Playgrounds, classrooms, and play areas should be designed for all abilities — with sensory-friendly tools, adaptive equipment, and clear pathways.

• Positive energy: Encouragement, not pressure, builds motor confidence. When a child feels safe and supported, they’re more likely to try, fail, and try again — and that’s how real development happens.

🖐️ 4. Tried-and-True Activities I Love (and Use Often)

For Fine Motor Skills:

• Threading and Lacing: Beads, pasta, buttons — anything that involves stringing and weaving helps refine hand-eye coordination.

• Manipulation Games: Simple games like Pick-Up Sticks, Connect 4, or stacking cups build precision and finger strength.

• Construction Toys: LEGO, K’nex, and magnetic tiles are more than toys — they’re fine motor powerhouses.

• Arts and Crafts: Drawing, coloring, cutting with safety scissors, and painting offer endless opportunities for grip, control, and creativity.

For Gross Motor Skills:

• Playground Time: Climbing structures, swings, monkey bars, and slides build upper body strength, balance, and coordination.

• Sports and Group Games: Even simple ball games, tag, or relay races teach coordination, teamwork, and body awareness.

• Movement Breaks: I love using 5-minute dance parties, jumping jacks, or animal walks to reset focus and energy.

• Obstacle Courses: Indoors or outside, obstacle courses challenge strength, balance, and motor planning — all disguised as fun!

Creating a Supportive Space for Every Child

Whether at home, in therapy, or in a classroom, the key is to make movement part of everyday life. Children thrive when they feel:

• Encouraged to try

• Supported when they struggle

• Celebrated when they succeed

Motor skills aren’t just about handwriting or running fast — they’re deeply connected to how children learn, express themselves, and feel capable.

Final Thoughts from the Therapy Room

When we think about helping preschoolers grow, we must look at the whole child. Physical skills, cognitive growth, and emotional development are all linked. And the best part? It all starts with play.

Let’s build strong, confident, curious little people — one puzzle piece, one climbing frame, one paintbrush at a time.

With movement and heart,Leigh AnneOccupational Therapist & Champion of Little Hands and Feet

Would you like this adapted into a PDF for parents or teachers? Or turned into a workshop handout? Let me know!

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