AbstractsEducation Research & Administration

Chapter 1 Statement of Problem Many children entering school are not physically able to write, cut and glue. These skills are necessary for any child entering elementary school. Currently, only 60% of California four year olds are being taken to a child care center to help build their pre-academic skills (Besharov & Call, 2008). Children who are not introduced to coloring, cutting and gluing are not able to strengthen the small muscles and joints in their hands, which is fine motor development. Without fine motor skills, performing art projects and academically driven paper and pencil worksheets are made difficult. Students may grow frustrated and rather than focus on the academic skills being taught they are left behind feeling a lack of self-worth. Advisors/Committee Members: Rummel, Mary Kay (committeeMember).