In Claire Trump's kindergarten classroom at Gurney Elementary School, learning and development go hand in hand as students engage in activities designed to strengthen their fine motor skills while having fun.
Through a variety of hands-on activities, students are developing the crucial muscle control and coordination needed for writing, drawing, and other important academic skills. Using Q-tips as painting tools, students create colorful artwork while strengthening their pincer grasp—a fundamental skill for proper pencil holding.
"Engaging activities like these help build the foundation for successful writing and drawing," explains Trump. "When children shape letters with Play-Doh, they're not just playing—they're developing muscle memory and hand strength that will help them when they write those letters on paper."
The classroom buzzes with focused energy as students practice essential skills like cutting with scissors, an activity that enhances hand-eye coordination and bilateral coordination. These seemingly simple tasks are carefully designed to support children's physical development alongside their academic growth.
"We make learning developmental skills fun and purposeful," says Trump. "When students are able to practice and learn in ways they enjoy, they're more likely to persist in tasks that challenge their developing abilities."
