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Motor skills are the foundation of your child’s daily life in kindergarten. From holding a pencil to playing catch, these skills shape their ability to participate, learn, and grow with confidence. While many parents focus on academics before school starts, helping your child develop strong motor skills can make the biggest difference in how well they adjust.
At the International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), we nurture these abilities through play-based and inquiry-led learning. We see motor development as essential, not extra. It helps our students become independent learners who move through the world with curiosity and confidence. This guide will help you understand the importance of motor skills for kindergarten and how to support them at home and through the right school environment.
To learn more about this, see how we focus on motor skills for kindergarten at ISHCMC.
Fine Motor Skills vs Gross Motor Skills
Motor skills are divided into two categories. Both are important to your child’s readiness for school.
Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers. Your child uses these skills when they grip a pencil, open a snack box, button a shirt, or cut paper. These tasks help them gain control and independence in daily routines and school activities.
Gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups like the legs, arms, and core. Walking, running, jumping, and climbing all require strong gross motor abilities. These actions help with coordination, balance, and focus in the classroom.
Children between four and six years old are building these skills every day. Whether they are stacking blocks or jumping across puddles, they are learning how to move with purpose and control.
How to Support Motor Skills at Home
You do not need a gym or expensive toys to help your child build these skills. With a little creativity, your home can be a perfect learning space.
To support fine motor skills:
- Use playdough to roll and squeeze shapes
- Practice threading beads or pasta onto string
- Encourage drawing and coloring with different grips
- Try sticker books and puzzles to improve control
- Sort buttons or coins by size and color for fun hand work
To support gross motor skills:
- Set up simple obstacle courses using furniture
- Have dance breaks that include jumping and balancing
- Play games that involve running, skipping, or hopping
- Take nature walks where your child can climb or explore uneven ground
Involve your child in daily routines like pouring drinks, folding clothes, or zipping up their backpack. These small tasks build confidence and skill.
Choosing the right supplies also plays a role. ISHCMC offers a useful kindergarten supply list for parents that includes items designed to support motor skill development.
How ISHCMC Builds Motor Skills in Every Child
At ISHCMC, motor skills are developed through experience, movement, and real-world play. We do not separate physical and academic learning—they work together as part of our holistic approach.
Our Primary Years Programme is built around inquiry and play. We use flexible classrooms where children can move, explore, and learn from their environment. This active setting allows young learners to build balance, coordination, and self-awareness throughout the day.
Children join hands-on activities such as:
- Clay modeling and calligraphy to strengthen grip and control
- Dance, skating, and martial arts in our After School Activities program
- Group play that encourages teamwork and movement in shared spaces
Our teachers are specialists in early years education. They design tasks that challenge without frustrating, and they adapt support for each child’s needs. Whether a student needs extra encouragement or is ready to move ahead, we guide their development every step of the way.
With over 25 years of experience as an IB World School, ISHCMC offers a proven environment where movement and learning come together. Students leave our classrooms confident in their abilities—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Working Together: Parents and Teachers as Partners
At ISHCMC, we believe a child’s growth continues after the school day ends. That is why we keep parents involved and informed.
We offer:
- Weekly updates that highlight your child’s progress
- Easy-to-follow ideas for supporting development at home
- Personalized advice from classroom teachers and specialists
- Opportunities to join workshops or classroom activities
When parents and teachers work together, children benefit from consistent support and shared goals. This partnership helps reinforce important motor skills in daily life and builds lasting confidence.
Help Your Child Build a Strong Foundation
Strong motor skills are more than just movement. They are tools your child needs to grow into an independent, capable learner. They shape everything from classroom focus to self-care and social interaction.
At ISHCMC, we recognize the value of early development. That is why we create spaces and experiences that allow children to learn by doing. If you want your child to thrive in a nurturing, forward-thinking environment, we are here to help.
Apply today and give your child the best start at ISHCMC.