How to Use Lacing Boards for Fine Motor Development

Quick answer

Lacing boards help toddlers develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and concentration through a simple threading activity. Start with a single hole and work up to patterns.

Step-by-step guide to using a lacing board

1. 1. Set up the board and string: Place the lacing board on a flat surface in front of your child. Show them the string and the first hole. Keep the string short (about 12 inches) to avoid tangles. A common mistake is using a string that is too long. Short strings are easier for beginners to control.
2. 2. Demonstrate the pincer grasp: Hold the string between your thumb and index finger, then push it through a hole from front to back. Let your child watch, then guide their hand to try the same motion. If your child struggles, gently support their wrist to help them aim. Avoid taking over—let them feel the resistance.
3. 3. Practice pulling the string through: Once the tip is through, show your child how to reach behind the board, grab the string, and pull it out. Repeat with the same hole a few times before moving to a different one. Many toddlers forget to hold the string after pushing it through. Remind them to keep pinching until they see the tip on the other side.
4. 4. Introduce pattern play: After your child can thread through individual holes, encourage them to lace through two or more holes in a sequence. You can call out colors or shapes on the board to add a learning layer. Don't expect perfect patterns at first. The goal is the motion, not the result. Celebrate every successful thread.

Product facts

• Lacing Boards: This tactile lacing activity strengthens fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and wrist control as children guide strings through a variety of openings. Practicing with different hole sizes and positions prepares little hands for writing, buttoning, and other daily tasks.