Game techniques for motor skills development in kids

Motor skills are one of the elements of a child's comprehensive development. After all, the level of its development affects not only the coordination of movements and spatial sense of objects, but also has a direct bearing on the development of memory, speech, and clarity of sounds.

Educational games for children are the most effective way to develop the necessary skills. A child learns the world through play, acquiring skills and reproducing behavioral patterns through toys. That is why parents who are interested in the comprehensive development of their child should introduce playtime as early as possible.

Motor skills for kids: the best games

Constructors, puzzles and cubes

The first toys available from about 7 months, when a child can sit confidently and play with cubes. They contribute to the development of the muscular system, coordination of movements, development of tactile sensations, memorization of colors and shapes of objects.

Until the age of 1.5 years, it is best to use soft, large toys, using simple playful exercises to develop motor skills: 

• matching toys by shape;
• try to hold the toy with both hands;
• find a toy, guess which hand is holding the object;
• games with magnets.
   

We also recommend that children of this age be provided with musical construction sets, toy books, and developmental centers.

For older kids, you can buy construction sets with elements of different shapes, colors, and lengths. With the help of construction elements, the child continues to explore the world, recreating what he sees every day: houses, shops, playgrounds, etc.

It is very important to choose gaming technologies according to age. For example, if you give a child a small mosaic at 1.5 years old, he or she simply won't be able to play with it because of insufficient coordination.

Art materials

Educational games for kids using art materials are also effective for developing motor skills and creative skills. The most commonly used materials are sand, gouache paints, various sliders, and you can also use cereals, leaves, paper, etc. as auxiliary materials.

First of all, fine motor skills are developed while working with materials. Now the child needs not only to hold the toy or insert it into the hole, but to use all fingers to make a figure or just play with the sand.

In this way, there is a gradual development from simple to complex, taking into account physiological changes. If this is not done, then over time, games will cease to fulfill their developmental function.

Basic rules for implementing game techniques

1. The games selected should be appropriate for the age and physiological characteristics of the child's development. 
2. Teaching methods should be developed according to the principle of "from simple to complex".
3. Parents should be involved in the game process. 
4. The child should be encouraged to play without being forced to do anything.