Fine motor skills play a vital role in a young child’s growing independence. By the time children reach age three, they are often eager to do more on their own—zipping up a jacket, turning the pages of a book, or stacking blocks with pride.

These everyday tasks may seem simple, but they rely on developing coordination, muscle control, and hand strength. Understanding the typical fine motor milestones for three-year-olds can help parents and caregivers support their child’s growth with patience, encouragement, and purposeful play.

“Fine motor skills are essential because they empower young children to do things for themselves—like feeding, dressing, and toileting,” says Dr. Jennifer Politis, PhD, LPC, ACS, an educational psychologist.

“By age three, many children can begin to dress and undress themselves with minimal assistance. These skills also support school readiness by laying the foundation for writing, drawing, and using classroom tools. In creative play, fine motor abilities help children express themselves, build confidence, and explore their world in meaningful ways.”

Common fine motor milestones at age three

Copy a circle

“When a three-year-old can copy a circle, it shows they are developing the coordination and visual-motor skills needed for early writing,” says Politis.

Building a block tower 

By age three, many children can stack about eight or more blocks. “This kind of play isn’t just fun—it’s a meaningful way for children to practice hand-eye coordination, precision, and patience, which all support fine motor growth,” Politis explains.

Using child-safe scissors

Around this age, children often start snipping paper. “They may not cut along lines yet, but learning to open and close scissors and make small cuts helps strengthen hand muscles and improve coordination,” she says.

Book handling

“At this age, children are generally able to turn pages in a book one at a time,” Politis notes. “This skill shows developing dexterity and finger control.”

Activities to support development

Politis recommends these hands-on activities:

• Playdough and clay: Squishing, rolling, and shaping help build hand strength.
• Crayons, markers, chalk and paintbrushes: These tools encourage proper grip and help children practice control as they make marks, shapes and creative designs.
• Stringing beads or pasta: Supports hand-eye coordination and concentration.

Remember, every child is unique

During this time, parents should avoid comparing their toddler to other children or to a checklist of three-year-old milestones. Think of child development like flowers in a garden: each blooms at a different time, but all bloom with support and care.
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Article source: Today’s Parent

Discovery Point Nursery and Academy is a daycare in Woodbridge, Vaughan, Ontario