Fine Motor Skills

What are Fine Motor Skills?

Fine motor skills, also referred to as hand skills, include reaching, grasping, carrying, and voluntary release. More complex fine motor skills include in-hand manipulation and bilateral hand use. The following is a brief description of each fine motor skill according to Jane Case-Smith (Occupational Therapy for Children, 2005):

• Reach: Extension and movement of the arm for grasping or placing objects.
• Grasp: Attainment of an object with the hand.
• Carry: Transportation of a hand-held object from one place to another.
• Voluntary Release: Intentional letting go of an object in the hand after grasp.
• Bilateral Hand Use: Use of two hands together to accomplish an activity.

(Case-Smith, J. (2005).Occupational therapy for children (5th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby)