The Preschooler

Tissue Paper Art

As children grow, they seem to naturally practice moving their bodies in different ways simply by playing games that they learn or even make up on their own.  Being able to kick a ball, skip, run, and hop are all activities which are certainly important to learn.  However, it is very easy to overlook some of the smaller activities which are also vital to their development.

Fine motor skills are needed in order to hold a pencil or crayon, cut with scissors, and pick up small objects.  When your toddler began to pick up cereal pieces with their index finger and thumb (the pincer grasp), this was the start of their fine motor development.  Although children also learn these skills through play, it is important that we provide opportunities for them to practice.

One great art activity that gives children the chance to perform fine motor tasks is creating a tissue paper picture.

• Help your child cut various colors of tissue paper in to small, random shapes.  If your child is not yet ready for scissors, tearing the paper into little pieces is also great practice.
• Show your child how to roll the paper into small balls.
• Allow your child to use liquid paper glue to attach to tissue paper balls to a piece of construction paper or a coloring book page.  If squeezing the bottle is too difficult, try using a small puddle of glue in a cup or on a piece of thick paper, and give your child a cotton swab to dip and transfer glue.

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Written by BRWI Staff on July 7, 2009