Dexteria - Fine Motor Skill Development
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Dexteria - Fine Motor Skill Development
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Dexteria is a hand and finger exercise app for very young kids or kids with special needs. The developer stresses that the three modes -- Write It, Tap It, and Pinch It -- are exercises, not games. While there are elements built into each activity to make them more interesting to kids, this app is mostly for therapy and practice. Kids who need extra help tracing letters, using their fingers in specific ways like pinching, and keeping certain fingers steady while moving others can benefit from using this app. The automatic tracking and reporting features will likely be valuable to parents, teachers, and therapists.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What’s It About?
First, choose Tap It, Pinch It, or Write It. In Tap It, lines appear with colored triangles on the ends that kids need to tap while keeping a thumb on the "anchor dot." In Pinch It, pinch small crabs to make them disappear; difficulty increases as crabs begin to move, change color, and multiply. Write It gives kids verbal and visual prompts to trace capital or lowercase letters as well as numbers. When kids touch the blue dots within the letters, a dinging sound lets them know they've hit the right spots.
Is It Any Good?
DEXTERIA - FINE MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT is a well-made therapeutic app for kids who need extra help with fine motor skills, letter formation, and skills like finger pinching -- skills that help in many ways, including manipulating mobile device screens. While the exercises aren't chock full of exciting games, cute characters, and rewards, features like fun sound effects, timed tasks, and encouraging tracking of levels completed can help keep kids' attention. This sustained attention is key, because these activities are only fully effective if incorporated into daily practice. With consistent use, Dexteria can be a highly effective tool.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Some of these exercises are harder than others. Find out which one is most comfortable and fun for your kid and start with that, building to more difficult modes.
Use the performance reports to track your kid's strengths and skills that need more practice.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, writing, Math: numbers
- Skills: Self-Direction: effort, working efficiently, Emotional Development: handling stress, moving beyond obstacles, Health & Fitness: body awareness, fine motor skills
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: December 26, 2012
- Category: Other
- Publisher: BinaryLabs
- Version: 1.3.5
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.3 or later
- Last updated: August 19, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
-
Intro to Letters, by Montessorium
Digital sandpaper letters and sounds for preschool practice.
-
Chalk Walk
Kids learn pencil grip but still need real practice.
-
Wee Alphas
Whimsical ABC app enraptures with hidden letters, animation.
For kids who love learning with apps
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate