Fine Motor Skills and Language Development – What Does the Research Say?

There is growing evidence that fine motor skills (FMS) play an important role in language development. Recent studies have shown that FMS are linked to children’s vocabulary and oral narrative abilities, which are key components of language. Read more about the research and explore how fine motor skills and language development are connected. Learn practical strategies for parents and teachers to encourage fine motor skills to support language growth.

What Are Fine Motor Skills?

Fine motor skills refer to small muscle movements that require coordination between the eyes and hands. These include tasks such as writing, using scissors, buttoning clothes, and manipulating small objects. Researchers have identified different types of FMS, including:

  • Graphomotor skills (drawing or writing)
  • Speed-based FMS (quick movements like tapping)
  • Dexterity (handling small objects like beads or coins)

Developing FMS is important for many aspects of a child’s growth, including their language abilities.

Basics of Fine Motor Skills - Developmental Activities for Kids

Basics of Fine Motor Skills – Developmental Activities for Kids

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How Are Fine Motor Skills and Language Development Connected?

Studies have consistently found that children with strong fine motor skills also tend to have better language skills. Here’s how the connection works:

  • Receptive Vocabulary: This refers to the words a child understands. Research has shown that children who have better fine motor skills, like the ability to manipulate objects, tend to develop a larger receptive vocabulary.
  • Expressive Vocabulary: These are the words a child can say. Children with higher fine motor skills scores often have more advanced expressive vocabulary, meaning they can use more words in conversations.
  • Oral Narrative Skills: This involves telling stories and describing events. Fine motor skills, especially dexterity, are closely linked to a child’s ability to tell structured stories, which is a higher-order language skill.

Researchers suggest that fine motor tasks may stimulate areas of the brain that are also involved in language processing, helping to build both motor and language abilities.

Strategies for Encouraging Fine Motor Skills and Language Development

Here are some strategies that teachers and parents can use to support fine motor and language development in children:

  • Play with Small Objects: Provide children with toys and activities that require them to use their hands, such as puzzles, building blocks, and bead threading. These activities help improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
  • Art Projects: Encourage drawing, cutting, and pasting activities. Using scissors, drawing pictures, and coloring within lines can strengthen graphomotor skills, which are linked to vocabulary development.
  • Writing Practice: Encourage early writing skills, such as tracing letters or copying words. This helps with graphomotor skills and builds both fine motor and language abilities.
  • Interactive Storytelling: Ask children to retell stories using picture books or props. This can help strengthen their narrative skills while engaging their motor skills through pointing, turning pages, or holding objects.
Color, Cut, and Glue Complete Packet - Fine Motor and Visual Perceptual Skills

Color, Cut, and Glue Complete Packet – Fine Motor and Visual Perceptual Skills

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MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION

Here are some additional resources with activities and ideas to further support fine motor and language development:

By integrating fine motor activities into daily routines, parents and educators can support children’s overall development, including their language skills.

Reference

Winter, R. E., Stoeger, H., & Suggate, S. P. (2024). Fine motor skills and their link to receptive vocabulary, expressive vocabulary, and narrative language skills. First Language, 44(3), 244-263. https://doi.org/10.1177/01427237241233084

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