Whether you’re a mom, a teacher, or a caregiver, these Valentine’s Day fine motor skill activities are sure to put a smile on your child’s face—and help them develop some important skills.

Fine motor skills are essential to living and learning. Find out what they are and when they develop as well as what to do if you think your child’s skills may be developing slower than they should.

For learners in the early stages of reading, the best way to counteract the loss of literacy skills over the summer is not by forcing study but by boosting play that develops fine motor skills.