Office supply stores are a great resource for hands-on learning activities for little kids. Check the sale aisle for some colorful sticky tabs. These are the tabs used to mark pages in books. We had a bunch leftover from our college days, so I used them as a way to keep my toddler occupied while I cooked dinner.

She was excited to stick and re-stick every tab. It was a form of abstract art for toddlers! Who knew such a simple activity could keep my toddler busy while I focused on making a meal. Read more for how simple this really is and check out the 30 Days of Fine Motor Activities shared over at Mommy Evolution.

Toddler play and grow activity time guide with 20 days of toddler fun and play.

Fine Motor Work for Toddlers

My toddler was a busy one. She was always exploring, which meant she was sometimes exploring the wrong things if I was distracted. That is great inspiration for learning activities! I needed to think up fun ways to encourage her development while freeing me up to get things done around the house.

Fine motor work with sticky tabs requires two supplies: Sticky tabs and paper. For more fine motor work for preschoolers check out this list of 30 days of fine motor activities.

toddler fine motor work with sticky tabs

I gave my daughter the colorful sticky tabs and she was eager to grab them one after another. I told her she could create a picture with them on the pieces of paper.

Toddler girl using fine motor skills to stick sticky tabs on paper.

Since these sticky tabs do not harm surfaces and can stick and re-stick over and over again, they are fun for sticking to windows or walls if you want to let your child do that.

We used paper so that I could save her creation and post it on our wall. The kids love having their art displayed and this counts as a creative art activity.

She spent a long time pulling and sticking the tabs. It kept her occupied while I was nearby cooking.

The sticky tabs encourage the pincer grasp which will help when a child begins to write with a pencil. They engage fine motor skills with the fingers grabbing and pressing. Eye-hand coordination and creativity round out the skills your toddler will strengthen with this fun creative art game.


For more fine motor and sensory activities for toddlers, check out these favorite ideas:

Water play indoors

Playdough and pasta fine motor play

Sensory bin with oats and salt

Cotton ball fine motor game

What does your toddler love to get their hands on? Leave a comment and share!

Toddler girl picking sticky tabs off a pile and sticking them to a notebook. Text reads preschool fine motor using sticky tabs.