STEM Learning With Dotty's Place

Learn. Create. Explore Together.

Discover practical ideas, tips, and inspiration to bring hands-on learning to life! Each month, we spotlight a new theme designed to spark curiosity and build essential skills in young learners. From strengthening fine motor skills to exploring the world of STEM kits, you’ll find engaging activities, educator insights, and simple ways to encourage discovery at home or in the classroom. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or homeschool leader, this evolving resource supports creative, affordable, and meaningful STEM learning—powered by Dotty’s Place.

“Every small discovery plants the seed for a lifelong love of learning.” — Dotty’s Place

Fine Motor Skills

Resources:

These trusted articles and videos offer hands-on ideas to strengthen fine motor skills at home or in the classroom. Each resource was selected to support the Dotty’s Place mission — helping children grow through creativity, play, and learning

1. 35 Fine Motor Skills Activities: Therapists’ Ultimate List – NAPA Center What it is: A blog post curated by pediatric occupational therapists that highlights 35 easy and affordable activities to strengthen hand and finger muscles. Activities include sticker play, ripping paper, threading Cheerios, chalk drawing, and placing coins—perfect for young children at home or in the classroom. Why it’s a good resource: *Written by therapists, ensuring each suggestion is developmentally sound and purposeful. *Uses everyday items to make skill-building approachable and fun. *Aligns with Dotty’s Place’s mission by emphasizing confidence, independence, and learning through hands-on experiences. Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Link: 35 Fine Motor Skills Activities- NAPA Center

2. 10 Fun Fine Motor Activities for Kids What it is: A short, practical video from Easy Play Ideas for Kids. It offers demonstrations of simple fine motor activities using everyday household items (clothespins, tweezers, playdough, hole punchers, and cotton balls). Why it’s a good resource: *Emphasizes low-cost, high-engagement fine motor play. *Aligns with Dotty’s Place by encouraging exploration through movement and creativity. *Ideal for preschoolers and early learners; each activity targets grip strength and coordination. Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Link: 10 Fun Fine Motor Activities for Kids

3. Fine Motor Freeze Dance What it is: A fun and engaging movement video that helps kids practice hand-eye coordination and fine motor control through dancing, pausing, and imitating motions set to music. Why it’s a good resource: *Combines gross and fine motor skills in one joyful activity. *Perfect for classrooms, community events, or family STEM Game Time sessions. *Encourages following directions, rhythm, and coordination — all while having fun. Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Link: Fine Motor Freeze Dance

4. Fine Motor Take-Home Strategies for Early Childhood Educators” – ECE Resource Hub What it is: A professional guide created for early childhood educators and caregivers. It offers practical ways to support fine motor development through classroom centers, take-home activities, and parent partnerships. Why it’s a good resource: *Bridges school and home learning — ideal for teachers, aides, and program coordinators. *Includes printable ideas and take-home strategy sheets for families. *Aligns perfectly with Dotty’s Place’s mission to connect learning, play, and family engagement. Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Link: ECE Resource Hub

5. Empowered Parents- Everyday Fine Motor Practice at Home What it is: A useful website for parents or educators that lists activities that strengthen fine motor skills without special equipment. Why it’s a good resource: *Perfect for families who want easy, real-life skill building ideas. *Focuses on confidence, independence, and hands-on learning — core values of Dotty’s Place. *Great shareable link for family newsletters or take-home parent notes. Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Link: Empowered Parents- Everyday Fine Motor Practice at Home

5. The OT Toolbox- Fine Motor Skills What it is: A comprehensive online section that explores precision, dexterity, and hand-finger coordination in children. The OT Toolbox breaks down fine motor skills into in-hand manipulation, web space of the hand, arches of the hand, and related tasks needed for school and daily living. Why it’s a good resource: *Offers a wide variety of free articles, activity ideas, and printable guides tailored to early learners, children with coordination challenges, and educators. theottoolbox.com+1 *Aligns with Dotty’s Place’s mission by providing developmental, hands-on, play-based fine motor strategies that support independence and confidence. *Suitable for parents, teachers, and therapists, making it a versatile support for home, classroom, and community-based learning. Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)