Working on a vertical surface such as an easel or a wall is an excellent way to work on fine motor skills. Writing in this position helps to improve shoulder and elbow strength and stability. It also facilitates wrist extension to promote coordination of the fingers. When my children were preschoolers, I had an easel and a chalkboard in the kitchen where they played daily creating lots of precious paintings and drawings. They LOVED working at the easel and didn't even realize that they were also strengthening their muscles and improving fine motor coordination! If you don't have an easel, you can tape a piece of paper to the wall for the same effect. Other "vertical" activities will work as well such as playing with magnets on the refrigerator or coloring on a hanging dry erase board. "Michelangelo Day" is always a hit with kids too! Tape some paper to the bottom of a low desk or table and let the kids lie on their backs to color. So fun!
Jen
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