On the line in front of the skill record the date you observed the child completing it, N/O if you did not observe the
child attempting the skill, and leave blank if the child is unable to achieve the skill.
Name :
Child’s Name (Alias):
DOB:
Checklist for Fine Motor Skills
Adapted from: Diane Bott & Diane Provo, Starting Blocks, 1985.
Retains ring when left in hand, definite hold.
Holds hand together.
Watches movements of own hands.
Reaches of object, may or may not pick it up.
Bangs object in play. Shows interest in making noise.
Rakes hand (sweeping motion), picks up small objects.
Lifts cup with handle.
Can grasp small objects within reach, using thumb and forefinger.
Transfers objects from on hand to another. Does not use mouth or body for help.
Holds crayon or pencil, aims one end at paper (imitates adult writing position).
Pushes car with wheels on table or floor.
Marks with pencil chalk or crayon.
Builds tower with two or more cubes or objects.
Picks up and holds two or more small objects in same hand.
Turns pages of book, tow or three at a time.
Turns knob (or radio switch).
Throws small rubber ball.
Builds tower of five or more cubes.
Folds paper.
Turns pages one at a time.
Fills and dumps containers.
Demonstrates well developed handedness.
Nests objects which are graduated in size.
Turns door knobs to open doors.
Uses stirring movement.
Cuts dough or clay, using cookie cutter.
Strings beads on inch in size.
Unscrews and screw three inch lid.
Builds tow 5 - 9 cubes.
Completes simple inset puzzle/ Each piece represents a single object.
Holds pencil, chalk, or crayon with fingers not fist. Tries to keep scribbles on paper.
Places and holds scissors with fingers.
Makes small cuts in paper wile paper is held.
Paints with brush using scrubbing action. Is more interested in the action rather than the painting itself.
May title his creation.
Experiments with vertical, horizontal and circular lines.
Plays with clay by pounding, squeezing, or pulling it apart.
Increased skill with tower building. Uses 7 or more blocks.
Folds paper with increased skill.
Winds up toys.
Screws and unscrew lids 1” in diameter.
Strings 4 or more beads 1/2” diameter.
Drives nails and pegs.
Completes inset puzzles and starts non-inset puzzles.
Easily cuts paper in two.
Uses peg board. Places 6 round pegs in holes.
Revised 2/17/16
Builds tower of 10 or more cubes.
Traces diamond.
Copies simple letters (such as V, H).
Draws man with two parts.
Adds three parts to incomplete man.
Traces along vertical and horizontal lines.
Draws a simple house.
Holds paper with other hand while writing, coloring or drawing.
Completes puzzles non-inset 11 -15 pieces.
Draws person with head, legs, eyes, hose.
Cuts triangle. Moves paper while cutting.
Paints objects and creates objects out of clay, imperfect is size, not appropriately spaced, but usually
recognizable. Still concerned with end product more than process.
Prints a few capitals.
Copies first name.
Makes circles between writing lines.
Makes vertical lines between wiring lines.
Prints first name.
Draws man with 6 body parts; head, trunk, legs, arms and features.
Folds paper diagonally and crease it.
Sews through holes in sewing card.
Opens lock with key.
Cuts circle.
Selects colors for painting with care.
Makes recognizable clay objects.
Writes a few more letters spontaneously.
Adds 7 parts to an incomplete drawing of a person.
Prints numbers 1 to 5 unevenly.
Laces and ties shoes.