Skill· 2.2y–3.5y· 4 min

Draw and Build

Parent sets up fine-motor challenges covering early mark-making, drawing shapes, pencil grip, stacking small objects, tool use, and wrist rotation: drawing lines and circles, copying shapes, stacking blocks, unscrewing lids, using utensils, threading, turning handles, and pencil grip. Covers twelve fine-motor and manipulation milestones at 28-40mo.

Start voice activity

Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.

What you'll need

Paper on table, crayon ready. 5-6 stackable blocks or cups. A jar or bottle with a twist-top. A spoon and bowl. A doorknob or similar rotation surface if available.

How it works

  1. 1~120s

    Give your child a crayon and paper. Don't show or guide — just say 'Can you draw a line? Can you draw a circle? Can you draw a cross, like a plus sign?' Try each one. Then ask your child to draw whatever they likes — watch what they makes. Tell me: does your child make a recognizable horizontal line? A circle? A cross? A human figure? And how does your child hold the crayon?

    Watch for: Child draws a line or shape

  2. 2~60s

    Three manipulation tests. First: scatter the blocks and ask your child to stack them into a tower — as tall as possible. Count how many before it falls. Second: present the jar with a lid and say 'Can you open it?' or 'Can you twist the lid off?' Watch whether your child turns the wrist or tries to pull. Third: if you have a doorknob or twist-tap, ask your child to turn it. Tell me each.

    Watch for: Child stacks three or more small objects

  3. 3~40s

    One more fine-motor test. Take a thick shoelace or piece of string, and a large bead, button, or similar object with a hole. Hold the object with the hole toward your child and ask your child to push the string through the hole. Can your child insert the string into the narrow opening? How many tries does it take?

    Watch for: Child inserts a string or thin object into a narrow hole

What this develops

Visual example

Coming soon