Certification Examinations for Oklahoma Educators (CEOE) Practice Exam

What fine-motor activity is most effective for developing hand strength in three-year-olds?

1. Brush-painting at an easel

2. Stacking large cardboard blocks

3. Lacing beads and cards

4. Working with clay and modeling materials

The correct answer is: Working with clay and modeling materials

Working with clay and modeling materials is particularly effective for developing hand strength in three-year-olds because it encourages children to use their hands and fingers in multiple ways. Manipulating clay requires actions such as rolling, squeezing, pinching, and flattening, all of which engage various muscles in the hands and fingers. This kind of tactile exploration not only enhances dexterity but also promotes coordination and strength as children work to shape and mold the materials. In addition, using clay often involves creative and imaginative play, which makes the activity engaging and enjoyable for young children. The viscous nature of clay provides resistance, helping to build grip strength, which is crucial for later skills such as writing, cutting, and self-care tasks like buttoning and zipping. While other activities listed, such as lacing beads and cards, can also promote fine motor skills, they may not provide the same level of hand strength development as working with clay does. Brush-painting and stacking blocks are valuable for other areas of motor development but tend to focus more on gross motor skills and coordination rather than the specific strength required in the hands and fingers.