Observing Fine-Motor Difficulties in Children

by FamilyEducation Staff

Observable Behaviors

Here is a list of observable behaviors of children with fine-motor difficulties.

• Difficulty with writing; poor grasp leading to poor form, fluency, and frequent discomfort when writing.
• Difficulty controlling speed of movements leading to excessive speed and resultant untidy work, or work not being completed due to overly slow movements.
• Difficulty with precision grip and inaccurate release and therefore problems with games that involve placement of pieces; for example, dominoes.
• Difficulty with spatial relations leading to difficulties with design and copying.
• Tearing paper and/or breaking pencils due to force-control difficulties.
• Difficulty with learning to dress and undress.
• Preference for outdoor activities.
• Clumsiness and frustration: spills food; drops objects; breaks objects.
• Frustration towards and/or resistant behavior to manipulative and graphic tasks.
• Excessive muscular tension when performing fine-motor tasks.