Children entering kindergarten should have mastered a set of gross and fine motor skills. Fine motor skills for kindergarten include the use of scissors, control of a writing implement, and a preference for mastery of the hands. Mastering fine motor skills means a child will likely be able to learn to print letters and numbers and manipulate tools by hand. Essential motor skills for kindergarten also include broader physical skills such as jumping, balancing, and throwing a ball. Every region and school is different, but most require that a child master basic gross and fine motor skills before being admitted to kindergarten.
Activities that strengthen hand muscles and allow a child to develop dexterity are ideal for developing fine motor skills for kindergarten. Ideally, a child entering kindergarten will be able to print her own name, draw a picture with details such as facial features or recognizable shapes, and cut out a simple shape with scissors. Coloring, playing with clay, drawing with a pencil, or painting with a brush help a preschooler develop the muscles in their hands and wrists. Refining fine motor skills for kindergarten doesn't have to be work; many fun games and craft activities serve as good motor activities. Most preschoolers will naturally develop motor skills for kindergarten simply by creating and playing.
Gross motor skills for kindergarten include the ability to run, climb, balance, and catch a ball. Most of these skills can be developed through normal outdoor play. Large body movements that use multiple muscle groups are required to master gross motor skills. Simple games and activities like throwing and catching a ball or climbing a ladder on the playground will build motor skills for kindergarten without hard work. Since gross motor skills are generally learned before fine motor skills, active play is an important part of a child's preparation for kindergarten.
Every child develops at a different rate, and some will master motor skills sooner than others. A child who excels at gross motor skills like balancing on one foot and climbing may need help mastering the finer points of using scissors. Children who can write letters and numbers proficiently or draw detailed pictures may need running and jumping skills. Developing the necessary motor skills can and should be fun; Most preschoolers will enjoy activities that are designed to develop any kind of motor skills for kindergarten.