Day: September 3, 2026

The beginning of the school year is a lot. Students are learning new routines, getting used to a new classroom, making friends, and figuring out what is expected of them. And if you teach Kindergarten or the early primary grades, you are probably also noticing some pretty big differences in fine motor skills. Some students will pick up a pencil and start writing their name right away. Others are still working on how to hold a crayon, use scissors, or manipulate small objects. That is completely normal. I like to build lots of fine motor opportunities into the beginning of the year without making them feel like another “lesson.” Centres, play, art, and simple table activities are perfect for this. Here are a few of my favourites. Play Dough Play dough is a staple in my classroom for a reason. Students are squeezing, rolling, pinching, flattening, and manipulating the dough…