As your child gets ready for school, developing fine motor skills is essential for holding pens and pencils correctly.
Watch the video below with your child as Duggee shows how to earn their drawing badge before starting primary school.
Speaker 1: Evelyn, Isn't it time for Duggee!
Evelyn: Duggee
Children in classroom: Hey Duggee, Hey Duggee!
Speaker 1: Duggee and the drawing badge.
Hello, squirrels. I wonder what Duggee has planned for us today?
Starting primary school, that's a big thing for a small person. It's exciting, but there are so many new things to learn.
One of the best things you'll learn is how to hold pencils and pens properly, so you can draw your own pictures and write your own stories.
Hmm, looks like it might be tricky. Can you help, Duggee? Of course you can, because you've got your drawing badge.
Duggee: A woof!
Speaker 1: Yes Duggee, we know you love drawing with a pencil. You're very good with your paws, but for us it's all about learning to use our arms, our hands and especially our fingers and thumbs.
Look at how these squirrels are holding their pens and pencils.
Oh, she's seen us.
You have to pinch the pencil between your thumb and your first finger and rest on your middle finger.
It takes a while to get right, but don't worry, because you'll get lots of help at school.
There are things you can do to practice using your fingers and thumbs.
These girls are using coloured pegs to decorate pictures of trees.
First they pick up a peg by pinching it between their fingers and thumbs.
Then they pop the peg into a hole to make the tree look like it's covered in colourful fruit.
Yum! Didn't they do well, Duggee?
Duggee: A woof!
Speaker 1: Before you even get to school, you can practice using your fingers and thumbs to pick things up. It's called a pincer grip. No Duggee, it isn't painful.
Duggee: Woof!
Speaker 1: Evelyn and Dhruvan are using their pincer grips to make necklaces.
They pick up a bead with their fingers and thumbs and carefully poke the end of the string through the little hole.
Then the bead slides down the string to join the others. Beautiful!
Whoops! You might need an adult to help you tie the knot. Well done squirrels! Would you look good in a necklace like that, Duggee?
Duggee: A woof!
Speaker 1: Using your fingers and thumbs is fun and helps you to make amazing things. Didn't the Squirrels do well today, Duggee?
Duggee: A woof, woof!
Speaker 1: Well done, squirrels. You've earned your drawing badge, just like Duggee.
When you get to school, you'll keep practicing and use your fingers and thumbs to paint, draw, write, and make all sorts of exciting things.
Well, that was fun, wasn't it, Duggee?
Duggee: A woof, woof, woof!
Speaker 1: Thanks for the reminder! Yes, you can watch more videos on the CBeebies Learn app to help get you ready for school.
Bye bye everybody!
What are fine motor skills?
Fine motor skills are your smaller muscles working with your brain for movements that require control and precision (especially within our hands.)
Developing fine motor skills allows children to successfully and independently write, eat, and get dressed.
How to grip your pencil
Learning how to hold a pen correctly helps your child feel more comfortable and in control.
The pincer grip is important for little ones heading into schools, playgroups and nurseries as it plays a key role in being able to pick up pens and pencils.
These skills make writing easier, improve precision, and boost confidence in the classroom.
How to encourage your child to hold a pencil
Guide your child in the correct way to hold a pencil, using positive reinforcement to encourage them.
If necessary, try pencil grips to help your child achieve a more comfortable hold.
It is important to show enjoyable drawing and writing activities, so that developing this essential skill remains fun for your child.
Interactive games to strengthen children's fine motor skills
Here are some fun games and activities for you and your little squirrels to sharpen their fine motor skills before school begins.
Does your child love Hey Duggee? interactive
Play games and earn your Hey Duggee badges on the CBeebies website.
