Click here to read Spring Garden Fine Motor Sensory Activity on Hands On As We Grow®
Dig into a simple garden fine motor activity that uses a transfer motion and also strengthens hand-eye coordination.
Simple fine motor activities that combine a seasonal sensory element are an engaging and wonderful opportunity for toddlers to develop their basic skills while exploring their senses at the same time.
I love planning activities within our home around the seasons! With spring in full bloom, I knew that this simple garden themed fine motor activity would draw the interest of my three-year-old.
Hello, can we say dirt?!
Build Your Garden Fine Motor Activity
I chose to use carrots in our garden. You could use any type of vegetable, fruit or flower you desire or that your child has an interest in.
To create our garden fine motor tray, I used a serving tray, potting soil, and orange and green pipe cleaners. I used the pipe cleaner to create our carrots. I also used tweezers and an ice cube tray.
When planning any kind of activity, I always strive for simple setups and preparations. I place all our activities on trays as it allows for one main focal point for the child, easy access, and easy cleanup!
To begin, I simply spread a thick layer of potting soil across our tray and “planted” the little carrots for my three-year-old to pick using his garden tool (tweezers).
I placed the ice cube tray beside the big tray as a place to put the harvested vegetables.
My little gardener went right to work! He was so excited to dig in the dirt and find each carrot to pick.
Initially, it took him a few tries to get a good pincer grasp on his tweezers. He ended up using a two-hand grip that still focused on his fine motor skills.
The repetitive and familiar motion of picking the carrots was a great way to build strength in his hand muscles.
As he picked, he combined his current interests in numbers and carefully counted each carrot while placing it in the ice cube tray. I love seeing little ones combine their learning all on their own!
For an added learning experience, after he was done harvesting his garden I had him replant his carrots. We talked about what kind of shape or pattern he might want to create in the dirt with his carrots.
He chose to plant them all in a clustered bunch on top of a hill that he created.
This simple garden fine motor activity, with an added sensory element, is the perfect way to introduce the season of spring to your little one!
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