As kids grow, their movements become more precise. Follow your child’s fine motor skill development from age 7 to 8.Fine motor skill development allows your child to use the little muscles in their hands and fingers to pick up and handle small objects. It also involves learning to use both hands at the same time to perform manual tasks.
Fine motor skills: 7–8 years old
At this age:
- Your child can write all the letters of the alphabet in both upper and lower case.
Remember that not all children develop the same skills at the same speed. The material on this website is for general information purposes only. If you’re concerned about your child’s development, speak with a doctor.
- They can draw a realistic scene that includes details and proper proportions. By around the age of 8, your child will begin to draw figures in profile.
- They can cut out complex shapes that have angles and curves.
- They can reproduce simplefolds like those used to make origami.
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They’re learning to write in cursive, a skill they’ll start to master by age 8.
Over the next few months, your child will begin to do the following:
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Continue to hone the motor skills they’ve been developing over the years (e.g., using their hands for various tasks, handling small objects, tying their shoelaces). They may also enjoy playing “little kid” games from time to time (a great way to strengthen various fine motor skills).
How can you help your child progress?
Your child is unique and will develop at their own pace. They have strengths and weaknesses and are becoming increasingly self-aware. You can help your child develop their fine motor skills with these simple everyday actions:
When you create alittle storybook together, | | your child improves their writing skills and gets to use their imagination and creativity . |
When you get your child involved in simple craft activities (e.g., building a birdhouse) or home improvement projects (e.g., holding the tape measure for you), | | they gain awareness of their abilities and feel proud when they see the final product. |
When you encourage your child to write a greeting card, letter, or postcard to a loved one, | | they develop an interest in writing while learning to do something nice for others. |
When you get your child involved in creating the family chore board, | | they feel more motivated to chip in and get to develop their fine motor skills. |
When you ask your child to pour themself a glass of juice or milk, | | they develop their coordination as well as their autonomy. |
When you encourage your child to try activities like knitting or more complex construction games, | | they improve their dexterity while flexing their creativity. |
When you occasionally bring out toys that your child enjoyed when they were younger, | | they’ll play with them for short periods. These games and toys help improve their motor skills and bring back happy memories. |
| Scientific review: Sonya Côté and Andreia R. Malisia, occupational therapists
Research and copywriting: The Naître et grandir team
Updated: September 2021
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Photo : GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages
SourcesPlease note that hyperlinks to other websites are not updated regularly, and some may have changed since publication. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. If a link is no longer valid, use search engines to find the relevant information. - Bouchard, Caroline, and Nathalie Fréchette. Le développement global de l’enfant de 6 à 12 ans en contextes éducatifs. Presses de l’Université du Québec, “Éducation à la petite enfance” collection, 2010, 580 pp.
- Duclos, Germain, et al. Besoins et défis des enfants : vivre en harmonie avec les enfants de 6 à 12 ans.Éditions Enfants Québec, 2009, 319 pp.
- Ferland, Francine. Le développement de l’enfant au quotidien : de 6 à 12 ans. Éditions du CHU Sainte-Justine, “Collection du CHU Sainte-Justine pour les parents,” 2014, 178 pp.
- Portail Enfance et Familles. “Étapes du développement.” www.portailenfance.ca
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