Fine Motor Skills Fun!

This fall, St. Joseph Catholic School in Libertyville introduced Developmental Skills Groups in its kindergarten classrooms. Mrs. Susan Lacey, an Occupational Therapist, is visiting classes every week for ten weeks to work on a variety of skills including: right and left hand directionality, grasp patterns, scissor skills, finger strengthening, body awareness and posture. These skills will reinforce proper strategies and techniques that will make difficult tasks easier and develop skills that will lead to independence in school academics. "Having a designated time for fine motor skills, making it very intentional instead of integrating into other lessons allows the children to focus and receive special attention in this crucial area of development," says kindergarten teacher, Miss Jamie Flood. Mrs. Siri Eck adds, "Having consistent pencil grips allows us to redirect students in a consistent fashion. Mrs. Lacey has clever ways of explaining proper pencil grip to the children. They think it's a game." The students enjoy their Developmental Skills time too. John says, "I like it because it's making me write and cut paper better. It's fun and it's cool." This is just another way in which St. Joseph Catholic School is educating students in mind, body and spirit. For information about St. Joseph Catholic School, contact Tracy Lombardo at tlombardo@sjslibertyville.org.