Supporting fine and gross motor development through borrowed toys
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Key points:
Children develop motor skills at different rates. What matters most is having plenty of opportunities to play, explore and try new things
Toy libraries provide affordable access to a wide variety of toys that support motor skill development through play
Every reach, grasp, climb, push, pull, and tumble helps build skills children need for independence and everyday life
On this page
(click on headings below to jump to section)
↓ What are fine and gross motor skills?
↓ Why motor skills matter in everyday life
↓ Toy library favourites for fine motor play
↓ Learning through play (no pressure needed)
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Learning happens through play
When we think about children’s development, we often imagine big milestones or carefully planned activities. But real learning usually looks a lot messier, and a lot more fun. It happens on the floor, during play, with toys that invite children to wiggle, reach, build, tumble, and try again.
That’s where toy libraries truly shine. By borrowing different toys, families can introduce new play experiences without the cost or clutter of buying everything themselves. Children can explore new interests, practice new skills, and learn at their own pace.
What Are Fine and Gross Motor Skills?
Fine motor skills
Fine motor skills are all about tiny movements and busy fingers. They use the small muscles in the hands and fingers, helping children grasp, release, twist, turn, push, and poke. There are also small muscles in the feet and toes, and some children with disabilities may find it easier to use their feet instead of their hands. Fine motor skills are used every day for drawing, turning pages, threading, posting, or fastening buttons.
Gross motor skills
Gross motor skills involve large, coordinated movements that use the body’s bigger muscle groups, including those in the arms, legs, torso, and shoulders. They help children explore their space and move through the world with confidence. This can look like rolling, crawling, jumping, climbing, pushing, pulling, reaching, throwing, and balancing.
Children develop motor skills at different speeds, and that’s okay. Every child’s journey looks a little different. What matters most is opportunity, not comparison.
Why motor skills matter in everyday life
Motor skills aren’t just about development; they help children take part in daily life with confidence.
Fine motor skills help children:
Hold books, scribble, draw, and eventually write
Feed themselves
Manage zips, buttons, and shoes
Feel proud of doing things “all by myself”
Gross motor skills help children:
Sit comfortably for listening and learning
Move safely and confidently through their environment
Join in play with other children
Understand their bodies and release big feelings
Together, these skills build confidence, independence and participation at home, in early learning settings and at school.
Toy library favourites for fine motor play
Toy libraries are treasure troves of fine motor fun, with toys designed to be explored again and again.
Popular choices include:
Posting and sorting toys
Peg boards and lacing games
Construction toys
Cause‑and‑effect toys
Dress‑up clothes
Pretend food
Puzzles
Many of these toys can be used in different ways as children grow. What starts as simple exploration can turn into sorting, building, or creating as confidence grows.
Gross motor play at home
You don’t need a huge backyard or fancy equipment for gross motor play. Alongside larger outdoor items, toy libraries often lend toys that work beautifully inside or in small spaces, such as:
Push-along and pull toys
Indoor-friendly ride-on toys
Soft climbing equipment or foam steps
Tunnels, stepping stones, and balance paths
Beanbags, weighted balls, or soft obstacle course items
Even a few minutes of active play each day helps children build strength, balance, coordination and confidence.
Learning through play (No pressure needed)
Fine and gross motor skills grow best through play that feels fun, meaningful, and led by the child.
Instead of asking “Can they do it yet?”, try noticing:
How long your child stays engaged
Whether they try again when something feels tricky
New ways they solve problems
Growing confidence and independence
Every reach, push, twist, climb, and tumble supports your child’s learning journey.
If you’d like help choosing toys, have a chat with your toy librarian, they’re always happy to support your family and celebrate your child’s unique way of learning through play.
Further reading and resources
Toys to develop fine motor skills
In this video Brodie, toy librarian at Unley Libraries shares a range of toys available at the toy library to help develop fine motor skills at home.
Ways to Play Series: The Pikler
In this video Nicole Pates from Nicole Kids Physio shares ways to use the classic Pikler climbing frame in engaging ways to promote a child's gross motor skills at home.
Play Matters
Foundational Movement Skills Through Play
Raising Children Network
Activity Guide: How to create safe play areas for baby movement (0-12 months)
Activity Guide: Playing with balls: activities for kids (3-6 years)
Nicole Kids Phyiso
Instagram: Magnetic tiles on the fence
