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    You are here: Home / Play / Motor Skills / Toddler Dot-to-Dot for Fine Motor Practice

     

    Toddler Dot-to-Dot for Fine Motor Practice

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    Like many children with older siblings, my toddler loves to do what ever his big brother is doing. So when big brother was working on his beloved EXTREME! Dot-to-Dots workbooks, I put together this numberless toddler dot-to-dot.

    Child marking on toddler dot to dot activity

    This post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

    Instructions

    This DIY toddler dot-to-dot requires only 3 supplies:

    • Washable markers or crayons. We love these chunky washable markers because stray marks on the table always happen!
    • Office supply stickers. Use any shape or color your have, but these multicolor dots are perfect because they are easily removed from surfaces.
    • Paper. This is a great time to use up all that scrap paper you have!

    The only prep you need to do is place as many dots as you want on the paper. If you want to get fancy, you can place them in a pattern. Demonstrating how to connect the dots is optional. Show them how to use the marker, or just hand it over and see what happens!


    For more great toddler activities --> 42 Easy Peasy Toddler Activities!


    My son loved taking a chunky marker and connecting the dots. His lines were quite scraggly, but that doesn't matter at all.

    He loved even more making his own dot-to-dots! I wasn't surprised because in my experience office supply stickers are an excellent distraction to keep kids busy! I love that this activity also gets him working those fine motor muscles!

    Alternatively, try this GIANT Dot to Dot activity that combines fine and gross motor practice at the same time!

    When your child wants to place the office supply dot stickers everywhere, don't fret. The ones I used are very easily removed from most surfaces.

    Toddler putting office supply sticker dots on paper.


    Depending on your child's focus level (My toddler has a very short attention span!), you can switch this activity up a little bit.

    Dot-to-Dot Variations

    • use 2 or more colors and have your child connect dots of the same color, or alternating colors
    • write letters or numbers on the dots. Dots can be connected in sequence (1-2-3) or matching (1-1, 2-2, etc). This is better for preschoolers.

    I didn't give much direction, since my son is still learning how to hold a marker. It was more fun to let him scribble around the dots as he saw fit. He was very proud of doing his own dot to dot!

    MORE: Dot activities and dot-themed books for kids

    Child engaging in toddler dot to dot activity

    Originally published 2011, updated 2022.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. MaryAnne says

      July 06, 2011 at 4:19 pm

      LOVE this idea! I need to pick up some of those label stickers. Lily would have a blast doing this kind of "dot to dot"!

      Reply
    2. Natalie says

      July 10, 2011 at 6:09 pm

      Great idea!! I love to find new activities I can do with things I already have at home! Thanks!

      Reply
    3. Mom and Kiddo says

      July 10, 2011 at 7:09 pm

      Thanks for stopping by, Natalie!

      Reply
    4. Allie says

      July 11, 2011 at 12:16 am

      Love this and how after the initial activity he extended it. We love those dots - so versatile.

      Reply
    5. Mom and Kiddo says

      July 11, 2011 at 7:32 pm

      @Allie: It's so true when they extend the initial activity on their own you know you've hit a winner.

      Reply
    6. Jess- says

      July 15, 2011 at 12:38 am

      Great Idea!

      Reply
    7. My Oatmeal Kisses says

      July 15, 2011 at 10:11 pm

      I love love love this idea! You are definitely legthening his attention span! I can't wait to do this activity. I'm your newest follower and I can't wait to see what you do next!

      Reply
    8. Amy says

      July 18, 2012 at 10:38 pm

      Thank you will be trying this one out in the morning 🙂

      Reply
    9. Jennifer @ The Preschool Plan says

      July 26, 2012 at 6:42 pm

      Oh, good idea! I will have a 2 year old who will be following along with big brother as we preschool this year, and this would be perfect. Thanks!!

      Reply
    10. Sonny says

      May 05, 2016 at 4:54 am

      Tried this and get positive result for my 1yr 8 months kid. I can see him thinking how to connect the dots. Love it.

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        May 05, 2016 at 5:33 am

        Wonderful!

        Reply
    11. Mrella says

      June 26, 2018 at 12:14 pm

      These are wonderful ideas! Thank you so much for sharing.

      Reply

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