Fine motor support in maths
Offer alternatives when handwriting or drawing slows mathematical thinking.
Quick answer
Handwriting and drawing can slow down mathematical thinking, but there are many ways to support fine motor skills in maths so that your child can focus on understanding the maths, not on the physical act of writing.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand how to support your child's fine motor skills in maths so that they can focus on solving problems and not be slowed down by handwriting or drawing.Why this matters
Maths is about understanding and solving problems, not just writing numbers. When children struggle with fine motor skills like handwriting or drawing, it can make it harder to show what they know. This is especially true in maths where children need to write numbers, draw shapes, and work with symbols. But there are many ways to support fine motor skills so that your child can focus on the maths, not the physical act of writing or drawing.How it works
Supporting fine motor skills in maths means using tools, strategies, and methods that help children show what they know without being slowed down by handwriting or drawing. This includes using fingers to count, drawing simple pictures, using manipulatives, typing on a computer, or using a tablet. The key is to find what works best for your child and their learning style.Examples you can see
Let’s imagine you're helping your child with a maths problem. Instead of asking them to write everything down, you can let them use their fingers to count, draw simple pictures, or use a calculator. For example, if they're adding 6 + 4, they could:- Count on their fingers
- Draw 6 circles and 4 circles, then count all the circles
- Use small objects like beans or blocks to make 6 and 4 groups, then count them all together
- Use a tablet or computer to type their answer
Try it as a mini adventure
Maths Detective Adventure You are a detective solving a mystery! You need to find the secret code to unlock the treasure chest. But the code is hidden in a series of maths problems. Each problem has a number that you must find. Instead of writing the numbers, you can:- Use your fingers to count the answer
- Draw a picture of the problem
- Use a calculator or tablet to type the answer
- Use objects like coins or blocks to show the problem
- 3 + 2 = ?
- 7 - 3 = ?
- 5 x 2 = ?
- 10 ÷ 2 = ?
- 4 + 6 = ?
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking that handwriting is the only way to show maths thinking.
Why it happens: Adults often expect children to write everything down neatly.
Fix: Let children use fingers, drawings, objects, or typing to show their thinking. - Mistake: Assuming that all children struggle with handwriting.
Why it happens: Not all children have the same fine motor skills.
Fix: Recognize that some children may need different tools or methods to show their maths thinking. - Mistake: Forgetting that fine motor skills are important for maths.
Why it happens: Many adults focus only on the maths content, not the physical skills needed.
Fix: Support both the maths thinking and the fine motor skills needed to show it.
Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help by:- Encouraging different ways to show maths thinking, like using fingers, drawing, or typing
- Using tools like calculators or tablets for older children
- Providing manipulatives like blocks, counters, or shape cutouts
- Letting children choose the method that works best for them
- Not judging how neat or messy a child's writing is, but focusing on their thinking
What not to worry about: If your child's handwriting is messy or slow. Focus on what they understand, not how they write it.
Practice questions
- What are three ways a child can show their maths thinking without writing?
- Why might a child use a calculator instead of writing?
- How can you use fingers to solve 8 + 5?
- What are two manipulatives you can use to show 3 x 4?
- Can you use a tablet to solve 9 - 3? Why or why not?
- Using fingers, drawing pictures, or using objects like blocks
- Because it's faster or easier for them
- Count 5 more on their fingers starting from 8
- Blocks or counters to make 3 groups of 4
- Yes, because typing is faster than writing
FAQ
Why is fine motor support important in maths?
Because maths is about understanding and solving problems, not just writing numbers. When children struggle with handwriting or drawing, it can slow them down and make it harder to show what they know.
Can I still expect my child to write neatly?
Yes, but it's more important to focus on what they understand. If handwriting is a challenge, support them with other methods to show their thinking.
What tools can help with fine motor support in maths?
Tools like calculators, tablets, manipulatives, or even drawing pictures can help children show their maths thinking without being slowed down by handwriting.
How do I know if my child needs fine motor support in maths?
If your child spends a lot of time writing and it slows down their thinking, or if they avoid maths because of handwriting, they may benefit from support.
Is it okay to use a calculator in maths?
Yes, calculators can be helpful for children who struggle with handwriting or who are learning new concepts. They help focus on understanding, not on the physical act of writing.