Fundamental Cognitive Development

in Hand-Skills & Essential Knowledge

The preschool period is a time of rapid growth along a number of developmental measures, not the least of which is children’s thinking abilities, or cognition and the motor skills development. Children this age show concentration of thought, meaning their focus is limited to one aspect of a situation or object. On the other hand, motor skills development is critically important especially in the aspect of fine motor skills. Parents and educators should design suitable activities to develop children’s hand skills progressively. These skills are those that involve a refined use of the small muscles that control the hand, fingers and thumb. With the development of these skills, a child is able to complete important tasks such as writing, feeding oneself, buttoning and zippering. These abilities gradually develop through experience and exposure to a variety of toys, and materials through a series of story-led (or any meaningful) activities.