The Clothespin Cliff Climber

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5)
Play time:: 5 to 10 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Table

Why it helps

This activity is a fantastic way to build hand strength and coordination. By using a clothespin to climb up index card steps, your child is working on their pincer grasp. This is the same grip they will eventually use to hold a pencil. It also challenges their eye-hand coordination as they aim for each card. Plus, it builds patience and focus as they try not to knock their climber over!

Steps

Stand the shoe box up on one end on the table so it makes a tall cliff.
Fold each index card in half the long way to make a sturdy strip. Make four or five strips, depending on how tall the box is.
Tape the strips up one side of the box, one above the other with a small gap between them. Let about half of each strip stick out past the edge like a ledge.
Draw a start flag on the bottom ledge and a finish flag on the top ledge. Your child can draw a face on a clothespin to make the climber.
Ask your child to squeeze the clothespin open and clip it onto the end of the bottom ledge.
Next, have them unclip the climber and clip it onto the ledge above, using the helper hand to keep the box from sliding.
Keep climbing ledge by ledge until the climber reaches the finish flag.

Safety tip: Clothespins can pinch, so show your child how to squeeze the ends and keep fingertips out of the jaws. Check that each spring is firm, since a loose spring is a small part.

Make it easier

Let your child squeeze the clothespin with the thumb against all four fingers for more power.
Start with three cards spaced close together so each move is short.
Hold the box steady for your child so they can focus on squeezing and clipping.

Make it harder

Use two clothespins as climbing hands and always keep one clipped on while the other moves up.
Squeeze with only the thumb and pointer finger instead of the whole hand.
Climb back down to the start flag without letting the box move, then try with the other hand.

What to watch for

Notice how your child squeezes the clothespin. Using the thumb and fingertips is a precise pinch, while pressing it against the palm uses more of the hand.
Watch whether the helper hand holds the box still on its own or whether the box slides when the clip goes on.
Notice when the squeezing hand starts to tire, and shake out your hands together between climbs.

Where this helps in daily life

Squeezing a clothespin builds the pinch strength kids use to open hair clips, pinch a zip-top bag closed, and clip papers together with a binder clip.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.