What Your 3 or 4-Year-Old Should Be Doing with Their Hands

October 15, 2025

At Sing In Chinese Preschool, we’re often surprised by how many preschoolers arrive without basic fine motor skills—like how to hold a marker or use children’s scissors. These small tasks may seem minor, but they play a big role in your child’s overall development.

Fine motor skills are the foundation for later writing, drawing, buttoning clothes, and even tying shoes. At age three or four, children should be strengthening their hand muscles through hands-on, playful activities that develop coordination and control.

That’s why we provide daily opportunities for tracing, drawing, cutting, building, and crafting. These activities are not just fun—they’re brain-building. Each time a child grips a crayon, a marker or snips paper with safety scissors, they’re improving hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and focus.

Parents often ask how to support this at home. It doesn’t require special toys or expensive tools. A box of crayons, a pair of child-safe scissors, stickers, or even tongs and clothespins can do wonders. The key is regular, purposeful play that encourages children to use their hands.

Wondering if your child’s skills are on track? Come for a tour and witness the hands-on actions!