Grab some blocks for this zero prep fine motor activity for toddlers!
Toddlers just love blocks! Add in an everyday item such as your kitchen tongs for a fun and exciting no prep fine motor toddler activity.
No Prep Block Pick-Up Fine Motor Toddler Activity
Block activities have been a top choice for the boys lately. But cleaning up the blocks really isn’t their favorite.
Honestly, this activity kind of just came to me as a way to occupy the boys so I could do a few other things. But it turned into a creative way to cleanup toys without fighting!
Set up your own fine motor toddler activity with:
- blocks
- kitchen tongs
- a container or two
And that’s it!
First, I set out all the blocks in one container, with another bucket nearby.
I handed George my tongs and challenged him to move all the blocks to the empty container.
We just used the standard wooden blocks (affiliate link) that come in all sorts of shapes and colors. But any type of block that you have would work, like your Mega Bloks (affiliate link) or even Bristle Blocks (affiliate link).
We used a tall skinny container as our empty container, the one to put the blocks into with tongs. I think that made it more fun than just a regular old box.
Tong Transfering Works Toddler Hand Strength
George struggled from time to time with using the tongs. It kept locking shut with the clasp.
But he thought he was pretty clever when he was able to grab a block!
And he did use his hands to help out too!
Whether he was closing the tongs with one or both hands, it was strengthening his hands either way.
George has always had amazing fine motor skills for his age. The grasp he has on a pencil has always surprised me, even at 18 months.
Such a vast difference from his older brother who excelled in gross motor skills very early on.
It makes me wonder what Louis will excel in? One of my kids has to like to sing and dance, right?
For more block and fine motor activities, check out these play collections:
What’s your favorite no-prep fine motor activity for toddlers? We’d love to check out your ideas!
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Faty says
What is the goal of this activity?
Rachel says
The goal is to have fun! It will also help develop your child’s fine motor skills, and if they already made the mess, it gets them to clean up!
Mellanie says
We did this today with my 7yo daughter who has Kabuki Syndrome and really struggles with fine motor skills. She loved it! Here is a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i1JpQvoh14
Jamie Reimer says
That is fantastic! Thanks for sharing the video. I’m so glad simple activities like this can help!
Francesca says
I will use this with my baby, approaching 18 mos! This is a great idea for fun, keeping it simple with stuff we have on hand.