Fine Motor Skills Activities that can be done at Home

Fine Motor Skills Activities header

February is Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the Philippines. And to give back to the community that has given me so much over the years, I am sharing some of the occupational therapy activities that Z has done when he was younger. I have shared these on my Instagram back in 2019 but I will be collating them here. You can bookmark this post in case you find it helpful and useful as well.

These fine motor skills activities don’t need any special toys or tools so you don’t have to spend money to do these activities. These activities also mostly target fine motor skills development but they could be incorporated in gross motor skills activities as well.

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Z’s New Toy Shelf

I love putting together shelves. Doesn’t matter if it is made of plastic, wood, wood grains or what-not. There’s just that sense of accomplishment and fulfilment after you put it all together. Z doesn’t have a toy shelf. I mean, a real toy shelf. We used my old bookshelf for his toys. And, since my books were still in a box and never seen the light of day until last year, the old bookshelf was free for him to use. Shelves made of particle boards will not really last very long, especially if it holds heavy items for long periods […]

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Homeschooling on Hold: Z Goes to Preschool

I have nothing against SPED, don’t get me wrong. They are doing great work. But I have this belief that if I wanted Z to be treated and accepted by society, then he needs to be amongst typical kids his age. This way, he will be more aware of his environment and typical kids will be more aware of kids like him. And hopefully, eventually, kids with special needs will be seen as someone not with a disability but with different abilities. And that they also have something to contribute to the community, just like everyone else. 

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Family Getaway: Finding Treasure at Treasures of Bolinao

I’ve been wanting to bring Zaine to the beach again and see how he fares with the water, the sun and the sand. Not that I don’t know how he does with water though. That kid loves the water. But the last time he was at the beach was a long time ago. He was only 9 months old when I brought him to our company outing in a resort in Batangas. He was weirded out with the sand back then. 

We used to frequent beaches in Pangasinan back when I was a kid but we have never been to Bolinao. Bolinao is known to be the “Boracay of the North” given its white (actually, it’s more like beige) sand and nice beach resorts. And so we decided to go to Bolinao this summer. 

I spent a few sleepless nights searching for resorts in Bolinao that will meet our criteria. Those criteria are: 1) swimmable beach, 2) kid-friendly place, 3) swimming pool, 4) comfortable accommodations.

Simple, right? Or so I thought.

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

the most wonderful time of the year

What’s not to love about this month? It’s all about good vibes and smiles and cheers (and booze and caffeine and chocolates and late night binge watching your favorite movies, hahaha!). You hear Christmas songs being played everywhere and it just makes you feel good. Admit it, Christmas songs makes you smile, too. And probably shake your head as you reminisce your childhood during Christmas, hahaha! Right?

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McDonald’s McCelebrations for Z’s 4th Birthday, Part 1

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Z celebrated his 4th birthday by having a McDonald’s McCelebrations party last September 2 at McDonald’s El Pueblo, Ortigas. I never really planned to have a birthday party for the little boy this year.

I finally decided to throw a party for the little boy about 3 weeks before the schedule. Ha! Talk about cramming! Good thing that the second option for a location I had in my list was available on the schedule I wanted.

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A Charming Little Boy

Z has his consultation with the development pediatrician every 6 months. Last month, we visited the good doctor for his first session this year.

Dev-pedia consults are actually nerve-wracking for me. Sometimes, or most of the time, I feel like I am not doing enough once I find out that Z’s progress is very slow. Last month’s consultation was somehow better. His assessment? A charming little boy of stated age. I love that!

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