Can your child hold a pencil properly, button a shirt, or use scissors with control? These small but essential tasks require fine motor skills—precise hand and finger movements that support independence and school readiness. If your child struggles with these tasks, occupational therapy (OT) may be the support they need.
At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we help children develop the strength, coordination, and control required for fine motor success through fun, therapeutic activities tailored to their unique needs.
What Are Fine Motor Skills?
Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers. These muscles allow children to:
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Grip a pencil correctly
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Tie shoelaces
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Use utensils to eat
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Zip and button clothes
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Cut with scissors
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Manipulate toys and classroom materials
Children with underdeveloped fine motor skills may avoid writing, struggle with hygiene tasks, or feel frustrated during daily routines.
Learn how scissor skills support hand strength and coordination.
Signs Your Child May Need Fine Motor Support
It’s not always obvious when fine motor challenges are impacting your child. Look for signs such as:
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Pencil grasp is too tight, weak, or awkward
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Fatigues easily when writing or coloring
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Difficulty opening containers or managing small objects
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Trouble with clothing fasteners (buttons, zippers, shoelaces)
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Hand tremors or shaky writing
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Avoidance of drawing or handwriting
If these challenges persist beyond what’s typical for age, an occupational therapy assessment is recommended.
Schedule a developmental assessment with OrbRom.
How OT Improves Fine Motor Skills
At OrbRom Center, our therapists design sessions that are hands-on, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. We help children:
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Strengthen hand muscles with games and resistance tools
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Improve pencil grip through writing exercises and adapted tools
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Develop bilateral coordination using toys, crafts, and puzzles
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Build finger control through manipulation of beads, pegs, and tweezers
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Enhance hand-eye coordination with target-based activities
Try these shape puzzles to boost fine motor coordination at home.
Our Tools and Techniques
We use therapeutic tools such as:
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Theraputty and resistance bands
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Pegboards and lacing cards
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Pencil grips and adapted scissors
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Stacking blocks and small construction toys
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Writing guides and fine motor worksheets
Each session is personalized to your child’s pace and goals.
Explore how one-on-one teaching improves attention and skill mastery.
The Link Between Fine Motor Skills and Academic Success
Children need fine motor control to succeed in school. Weak hand muscles can make tasks like writing, drawing, or manipulating classroom materials difficult, leading to poor academic performance and low confidence.
OT helps children:
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Write legibly and at an appropriate speed
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Focus longer during classroom tasks
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Participate in art, science, and handwriting activities
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Develop the confidence to try new challenges
Discover tips for supporting children with dyslexia and motor difficulties.
Helping Children Feel Capable
At OrbRom, our goal isn’t just to improve movement—it’s to empower children. As they build fine motor skills, they also build:
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Independence in daily routines
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Self-esteem through mastery
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Social engagement during shared tasks
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Readiness for academic and life demands
Parents often see major changes in their child’s willingness to try new tasks and their pride in doing things “by myself.”
Get Your Child the Support They Deserve
If your child struggles with writing, dressing, or using their hands in daily tasks, occupational therapy can make a meaningful difference. With personalized strategies and a caring team, OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh is ready to help.
Click here to learn more about our occupational therapy services.
We are the only Preschool specialized on children with special needs in PhnomPenh.
- Internationally qualified teachers
- Cambodia’s largest sensory room
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Covered outdoor playground
📞 Phone: 077.455.993
Telegram Link: https://t.me/OrbRom
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