The Georgia Early Learning Standards Activity Guides may - gapitc

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Puzzle-mania
Select assorted puzzles with sturdy interconnecting pieces.
Encourage children to turn puzzle pieces in several directions as they try to fit
each piece in place.
As children finger and move the pieces, point out the outline of the piece.
Use language like “This piece feels pointy in the corner. Here’s a space that needs
a pointy piece.”
Special Needs Tip
Create a “texture puzzle” for children with vision impairments.
Glue pieces of fabric with different textures (corduroy, burlap, silk)
on the puzzle base. Glue these same textures on the matching
puzzle pieces. As children feel the “space” on the puzzle base
that is bumpy, they can match it to the bumpy puzzle piece and
put the piece in place.
Tracing and cutting on a line will be a challenge for many three year olds. Give
them opportunities to snip and draw without lines or models to follow.
Provide several pairs of left handed safety scissors and “companion” scissors for
children with limited finger dexterity.
Have a variety of picture books accessible to the children. Pop up and flip books,
such as Where is Spot? by Eric Hill, are a good choice for developing the small
muscles in children’s fingers as they turn pages and flip flaps.
Provide opportunities for children to use tools like large tongs, tweezers (with
blunt edges), and turkey basters. Let them try to pick up cotton balls and small
pompoms with the tongs or tweezers. Let them squeeze water in and out of the
turkey basters.
Set out small blocks and other props like plastic animals and small cars. As children
stack blocks and play with small toys, they refine their fine motor skills.
Provide opportunities for the children to strengthen their hands and fingers as
they play with play dough and clay.
Encourage children to write or paint while standing at an easel, chalk board, or
paper taped to the wall. Making strokes from top to bottom is good for handmotor
strength and is also a good pre-writing activity.