WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.133 --> 00:00:09.142 ♪ ♪ 2 00:00:09.209 --> 00:00:11.144 Narrator: By the time children get to kindergarten, 3 00:00:11.211 --> 00:00:13.713 they should be able to demonstrate some control 4 00:00:13.780 --> 00:00:17.150 over the small muscles in their hands and fingers. 5 00:00:17.217 --> 00:00:19.919 Working on activities that strengthen those muscles 6 00:00:19.986 --> 00:00:23.189 will lead to greater success with writing, cutting, 7 00:00:23.256 --> 00:00:28.762 zipping a coat and other tasks that involve fine motor skills. 8 00:00:28.828 --> 00:00:31.998 Boy: The little A, you just got to do a circle, 9 00:00:32.065 --> 00:00:35.168 like do a circle, and then put a line. 10 00:00:35.235 --> 00:00:36.736 Ginger Watkins: That's a great idea. 11 00:00:36.803 --> 00:00:38.371 We'll do a circle. 12 00:00:38.438 --> 00:00:41.074 We have so many devices today, that boys and girls 13 00:00:41.141 --> 00:00:45.645 are loosing the opportunity to manipulate with their hands, 14 00:00:45.712 --> 00:00:49.115 and some of the fine motor skills that were just a given 15 00:00:49.182 --> 00:00:52.719 and were natural are a little bit unnatural today. 16 00:00:52.786 --> 00:00:54.821 Boys and girls who come into school 17 00:00:54.888 --> 00:00:59.192 that have some of those under control are able to open snacks, 18 00:00:59.259 --> 00:01:02.262 put on their shoes, zip their coats up. 19 00:01:02.328 --> 00:01:04.397 Those boys and girls see their self a little bit 20 00:01:04.464 --> 00:01:07.767 more confidently to be able to use tools 21 00:01:07.834 --> 00:01:11.137 and be independent learners in the classroom. 22 00:01:11.204 --> 00:01:13.072 Narrator: In the family activities section on this page, 23 00:01:13.139 --> 00:01:16.376 you can find the right tools to help your child develop 24 00:01:16.443 --> 00:01:19.279 the small-muscle strength needed to succeed both 25 00:01:19.345 --> 00:01:21.314 in school and at home. 26 00:01:21.381 --> 00:01:25.084 Scroll down to the bottom of the page for specific examples. 27 00:01:25.151 --> 00:01:32.425 ♪ ♪