Create CVC Words Using Fine Motor Tools

This weeks #toolsforlearning manipulative is fine motor tools. We are a huge fan of fine motor play activities. We were excited to use the theme to create CVC words using fine motor tools.

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To begin with I placed all of our Alphablock foam letters into a green sensory bin. Using Adam’s favourite Alphablock CVC cards as a prompt, Adam found each letter needed to create 8 CVC words. We then discarded any foam letters that we did not use. I had decided to do the activity this way so that Adam was confident at finding the required letters before focusing on this fine motor skills.

I then gave Adam a choice of three of our favourite tong style fine motor tools. CleverstiX are children’s training chopsticks. Your child places their thumb into the large hoop and their index and middle fingers into the two smaller hoops. Adam loves moving his fingers to manipulate the Cleverstix. We used the Kung Fu Panda version but other styles include Hello Kitty and the Science Museum. I also put out our Gator Grabber Tweezers. These come as part of the Learning Resources Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set and is great for developing the pincer grip. Last but not least I put out our purple Jumbo Tweezer.

Immediately Adam chose the CleverstiX. He decided that the CleverstiX wanted to eat the letters and made eating noises whenever he picked up an Alphablock foam letter. He was able to identify the correct letter needed, pick up the letter from the sensory bin using the CleverstiX and place it on the CVC card independently.

After creating a couple of words he turned his attention to the Gator Grabber Tweezers. Up until recently Adam has found the Gator Grabber harder to manipulate. However, the foam letters were an ideal shape and Adam was able to pick up the items quickly – in fact too quickly for me to get a photo in focus.

Finally Adam attempted the Jumbo Tweezer. He struggled to use the Jumbo Tweezer for this activity and only completed one word before turning his attention back to the CleverstiX.

I love that our Alphablock foam letters, CVC cards and fine motor tools can be placed in a Busy Bag for Adam to use independently whenever he wants.

Unfortunately our Alphablock foam letters and CVC cards were freebies in the Cbeebies Alphablock Magazine from a couple of years ago. However they do form part of the Alphablocks Reading Programme. The activity could also be completed using magnetic letters or foam letters.