Spinning Tops: A Simple Way to Stimulate Fine Motor Skills
Author: Tanja Damhof
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Playing with a spinning top may seem like a simple pastime, but it offers numerous benefits for children's development. A blog post from Breinprikkels explains why this classic toy is such a great way to stimulate fine motor skills. This inspired us to start a fun challenge: Every child a spinning top with the hashtag #iederkindeentol.
Why is a spinning top so good for fine motor skills?
Fine motor toys are often small and require precise hand and finger movements. Spinning tops fit perfectly into this category. They are easy to use, but require coordination and concentration to play successfully. Spinning a top exercises the muscles in the hand and wrist, and at the same time improves eye-hand coordination. These are all skills that a child needs, for example, when learning to write.
Spinning tops for every child
Spinning tops come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. While advanced players like to experiment with unique designs or materials, spinning top beginners should opt for a spinning top with a longer stem and a good grip. This makes it easier to learn spinning tops and gives children more control over their movements.
Tips for learning to spin
For children who are just starting to spin, it is helpful to practice in a low container or tub. This keeps the spinning top within reach and prevents children from feeling frustrated when it keeps rolling away. It also helps them keep their hand straight from above, which improves the precision of spinning.
A fun next step is spinning on a plate with a light edge. This still provides some protection from rolling away, but gives kids more freedom to develop their spinning technique. An added challenge can be to pick up the plate or bowl while the top continues to spin—a great exercise in balance and coordination!
Two-handed spinning tops: an extra challenge
A unique challenge is the so-called "two-handed spinning tops". Here you try to spin two tops in both hands at the same time. This is not only fun, but also promotes cooperation between the two hemispheres of the brain and fine motor skills. Teacher Marleen shared this tip: her son received this advice from a pediatric physiotherapist to improve his writing motor skills. Using two tops at the same time requires extra concentration and coordination, which makes it a fun and educational challenge for children.
Conclusion and tip: A spinning top as a shoe gift
Playing with a spinning top is not only fun, but also helps children develop important skills. Spinning tops are simple, affordable and playfully promote fine motor skills. That is why it is a great idea to give a spinning top as a gift, for example as a shoe gift during the Sinterklaas period. A small, classic toy that should not be missing in any child's room!
Tip: Fill your child's shoe with a colorful spinning top this Sinterklaas season and watch them develop their skills through play.
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