IMPACT OF FINE MOTOR SKILLS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG PUPILS WITH HANDWRITING DIFFICULTIES IN RIMIN GATA SPECIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL, KANO STATE

Abstract This research work was conducted on the” Impact of fine motor skills on academic performance among pupils with handwriting difficulties in Rimin Gata Special Primary School Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State. The study reviewed literature based on the objectives of the study as well as the empirical studies by different scholars. The study employed a Quasi-experimental design. The questionnaires were distributed to one hundred and twentythree (123) respondents which were randomly selected as samples, the data collected from the respondents was presented, analyzed, and summarized. Simple percentage frequency distribution ranking was the statistical method used in analyzing the research questions. Data from the surveys were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while Pearson Person Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that handwriting difficulties are widespread among the pupils in Rimin Gata Special Primary School. Many pupils reported struggles with writing clearly, forming letters correctly, and writing quickly during exams or classwork. The study also revealed a significant link between fine motor skills and handwriting development. Pupils who experiences difficulties in gripping a pencil or pen and finger fatigue tended to struggle more with handwriting tasks. Finally, the study also recommends that the school should introduce a dedicated fine motor skills development program, tailored to the needs of pupils with handwriting difficulties. Activities like drawing, cutting, or using small objects (e.g., beads) for manipulation should be incorporated to strengthen hand muscles and improve coordination.