Finger gymnastics for a baby: why it should be done

30.09.2024 14:01

The main way that children under one year old use to learn about the world is through touch.

That is why it is so important to develop your baby’s fine motor skills – thanks to this, he will be able to make more and more new discoveries faster.

Moreover, according to the research results, those children who were involved in finger exercises spoke faster than the others.

We can go on listing the benefits of this activity for a long time, so let's move on to the next, no less important point, and talk about the movements that form the basis of finger gymnastics.

Extension and flexion of fingers

This movement must be done with each of the fingers - in turn. While doing the exercise, name the fingers - this way you will simultaneously develop the baby's speech.

Baby Hand
Photo: © Belnovosti

Stroking and massaging the palm

An example of an exercise is to make one hand into a fist and the other tries to grasp it.

As you understand, this is not the only possible option.

Movements of the hands, palms and fingers together

We suggest you try "baking a pie" during finger exercises. Squeeze and unclench your fingers as if you were kneading dough. Then draw circles on the table with your palms as if you were rolling out dough. Finally, rub your fingers together as if you were sprinkling sugar on a pie.

When should you start finger exercises and how long should you do them?

It is recommended to try finger gymnastics with a child who has reached the age of six months. At first, the mother will perform most of the movements on the baby's fingers, but then the baby will become more independent. It is worth devoting about 10-15 minutes to the exercises daily.

Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources

Content
  1. Extension and flexion of fingers
  2. Stroking and massaging the palm
  3. Movements of the hands, palms and fingers together
  4. When should you start finger exercises and how long should you do them?