Here is a simple activity that introduces line types to young children and encourages fine motor development.  On a sheet of paper, draw various lines using a marker (see photo).  Then look for items that your child can place along the drawn lines such as beads, stones, Duplo pieces, buttons, etc.) 

 

What You Will Need  

 

Engaging with Your Child 

Handling small objects is challenging for toddlers and some preschoolers because they are still developing their fine motor skills and working on their pincer grasp. This activity will give your child an opportunity to do that. You can open the activity with an opening statement, “Can you see this line? It is straight line and this one is a zig zag. I am going to place these beads on the straight line. Can you help me?” As he/she lines the items up on the paper, don’t worry too much if items aren’t not perfectly lined up. Remember they are practicing their fine motor skills and have not yet mastered them. Focus on what they are able to do, “You lined up 12 beads on this zig zag line!” Next time you do this activity, you can introduce a math focus. Point at each item on the line and count them with your child, “1-2-3-4-5. There are five buttons on here.”