Ashley Read '05, Interim Director of the Early Childhood Center

Sept. 23, 2022

Dear ECC Families, 

At Oakridge, we believe children need a safe space to express themselves. The "thought of the week" activity leads our students through social-emotional practice to create a safe environment in which our youngest learners feel secure and loved. Learning to regulate one's emotions is a taught behavior and our thoughts of the week provide framework and practice. This week the ECC students have been practicing showing love to each other through their actions and words. 

Building, writing, feeding oneself, buttoning shirts, tying shoes, drawing, and so much more only occur when our fine motor skills are practiced and taught. The small muscles in our hands allow us to perform such tasks. So what does it look like to put our Fine Motor Skills to work?

• Preschool students explored apples and put their five senses to the test. They peeled, smelled, touched, examined, and even tasted their very own applesauce creation. 

• Both our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students took part in a guided art activity. Pre-Kindergarten students created colorful, unique scarecrows. Kindergarten students illustrated a green and blue Oakridge Owl. Guided art provides a time for our students to practice fine motor skills and utilize their skills in listening and following directions. 

• In Music and Movement, Coach Ivo and Coach T provide opportunities for our students to work on their balance, coordination, and grit by using items such as balance beams and obstacle courses. 

The ECC hallways are exploding with examples of Fine Motor Skill practice and showcase the uniqueness of each one of our learners. We invite you to visit our hallways and celebrate our artists. 

Are you looking for ways to support Fine Motor growth with your child? Try Q-tip painting at home! Print a few of these handouts, grab some washable paint and a good amount of q-tips, and let the little artist in your child come alive! 

Kind regards,

Ashley Read