As simple as it is, pointing is a fine motor skill.
Childhood is a time for rapid growth and development. Many of the actions that we take for granted were learned and perfected throughout our former years. Very young children are notoriously good, for instance, at picking up random objects from the floor -- the very task itself is just one of many developmental abilities which fall under the umbrella of fine motor skills.
Development
Holding a pencil correctly is a fine motor skill.
Fine motor skills are the every day activities done by using the smaller muscles of the body. The eyes should coordinate with these small muscles for fine motor success. Examples of fine motor skills are writing, buttoning, cutting, or stacking blocks -- all of which require practice and perseverance initially before they become natural actions. Fine motor skills in children are evaluated periodically to ensure that the child is developmentally on track.
Difficulties
Tasks like tying shoe laces may seem impossible with fine motor delays.
Children can experience fine motor difficulties at any stage of their development. As infants, they may not use a pincer grasp -- the use of their forefinger and thumb, to pick up small objects like peas. A preschooler may be unable to correctly position his fingers around a pencil, making writing or drawing appear sloppy. If a fine motor difficulty is suspected, parents should consult with the child's pediatrician to determine how best to proceed.
Activities
Rolling play dough is beneficial.
Children learn best through play, so any activities to improve fine motor skills should be approached in a fun manner. Give a child some play dough and ask her to roll small balls with it, or ask her to cut paper with plastic scissors. Play games with dried rice or beans, racing with the child to pick up each grain with her fingers. Provide dried pasta tubes to lace onto a piece of yarn, or washable paints to create finger masterpieces. With imagination, improving fine motor skills in children is effective.
Things to Remember
An upright surface is best to practice on.
When developing fine motor skills an upright work space is best. It allows the child space to move using his shoulder and arm muscles. An art easel, blackboard or wipe off board is an ideal tool in helping the child because it forces him to bend his wrist, which strengthens the muscles. It also promotes good thumb movement, which is integral to fine motor skills.
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