Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

Which of the following activities is likely to enhance fine motor skills in preschool children?

1. Free drawing with crayons

2. Building with large blocks

3. Playing with water toys

4. Cutting shapes with safety scissors

The correct answer is: Cutting shapes with safety scissors

Cutting shapes with safety scissors is an effective activity for enhancing fine motor skills in preschool children because it requires precision and control. Using scissors demands that children coordinate their hand movements as they grip the scissors with one hand while manipulating the paper with the other. This process helps strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers, fostering improved dexterity and hand-eye coordination. In contrast, while free drawing with crayons also encourages fine motor development, it may not require the same level of skill or control as cutting shapes. Building with large blocks focuses more on gross motor skills because it involves larger body movements for stacking and balancing. Playing with water toys primarily promotes sensory experiences and may enhance other skills such as gross motor skills and cognitive understanding rather than specifically fine motor development. Thus, cutting shapes with safety scissors stands out as the activity that most directly supports the refinement of fine motor skills in preschool-aged children.