Whether it’s dysgraphia or simple difficulty with writing, graphotherapists offer fine motor exercises to strengthen the muscles of the hand and fingers. They can be done anywhere and help develop ease and quality of movement. Indeed, professionals have often observed that the children they follow in remediation struggle to move their fingers.

What are the goals of finger gym?

Graphotherapists recommend fun fine motor exercises to help the child perceive and feel the muscles and movements of their fingers. Beyond improving coordination, this gym promotes concentration, precision, as well as rhythm and flexibility.

These exercises can be done at the practice with professionals, but also in the classroom with teachers or at home with parents. Children simply need to sit with their feet flat on the floor to practise them.

Note that regularity is essential to see results: ideally, 3 short exercises should be done every day for a month – which shouldn’t take more than 5 to 10 minutes a day.

Which finger gym exercises should you try?

Beyond the fist, sideways figure-8, walking and piano exercises detailed in another article, there are other finger gym exercises to add variety and playfully strengthen the muscles. Here are 7 more:

  • Cat claws: Place both hands flat on the desk and gently draw the fingers in to form a tight fist, then stretch them back out to the starting position. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
  • Flicks: place the tip of the index finger behind the thumb and apply pressure to give a light flick with the fingertip. Repeat with the middle, ring and little fingers of each hand.
  • The little ball: roll a small ball under the hand, starting at the palm, then moving to the tip of each finger, always returning to the palm each time.
  • The prayer: press the joined hands against each other and push as hard as you can, then release. Repeat 3 to 4 times.
  • The little bubble: place your hands together and slowly pull them apart, keeping only the fingertips in contact, then return to the starting position. Repeat 3 or 4 times.
  • The massage: gently pull on each finger and massage it individually.
  • The kisses: touch each finger with the thumb of your dominant hand, then with the other hand, then do both at the same time.

 

These exercises promote finger mobility – which will only improve handwriting movement. If you need professional support, don’t hesitate to contact a graphotherapist on the Ora Visio platform!