Gripping stuff

Develop manipulative skills for mark-making with an assortment of resources in the office role-play area, says Jane Drake Children need a wide range of opportunities for developing the skills of manipulation and co-ordination before they are capable of using a pencil effectively to form recognisable letters. Such opportunities will be available in all areas of the nursery and through everyday activities such as fastening buttons on a coat, turning the tap when washing hands and putting a drinking straw into the hole...