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Some children have low tone in their hands and fingers. This causes the child to have difficulty with fine motor (small muscle) activities including writing, painting and cutting with scissors. To improve strength in the hands and develop a functional grasp on writing utensils try the suggestions below.

1. Place a piece of paper on an easel or tape it to the wall. Have the child paint or draw. Using a vertical surface helps develop arm and shoulder strength and encourages the use of a functional grasp.
   
2. Have the child read or play a board game while placed on their stomach. This helps children who have low muscle tone build strength in their arms and trunk.
   
3. Place various small objects in playdoh or silly putty. Have the child dig for the objects using their fingers.
   
4. Have the child use large tweezers or salad tongs to pick up small objects off the ground and place them in a container with a large hole. This could be a baby food jar or a coffee can with a hole cut out of the lid. This strengthens fingers as well as improves eye hand coordination.
   
5. String beads on a pipe cleaner. The strength of the pipe cleaner makes it easier for the child to control. Start our with beads that have a large hole and then move to beads with smaller holes. Beads that are in the shape of animals can be found at Michaels craft store.
   
6. Cut a slit in a tennis ball and draw a face. Have your child squeeze the ball with one hand and feed the “animal or person” pennies with the other hand.
   
7. Pop bubble wrap between the thumb and each individual finger to encourage finger isolation.
   
8. Place a piece of large chalk in the end of a turkey baster handle. Have the child draw with the chalk. The shape of the baster helps the child control the chalk and develop a functional grasp.
   
9. Play games that help develop fine motor skills including Hi Ho Cheerio, Lite Brite, Bedbugs and Operation.
   
10. Decorate zip lock bags and place desirable objects or prizes inside. Have the child place both thumbs on either sides of the opening and practice opening the bag.