Pincer Control - Page 15 of 20

Fence Post Push

Steps:

Adult Prep: Use the scissors to cut several narrow, short slots (about 1-inch long) across the surface of the cardboard. Keep the slots tight to add resistance.
Set up the area by standing the cardboard vertically on a table. Place the craft sticks in the container next to the cardboard barrier.
Show your child how to use their ‘helper hand’ to hold and stabilize the cardboard fence, keeping it perfectly steady.
Using the working hand, pick up one craft stick at a time. Aim the stick at a slot and use a strong, controlled push to insert it through the cardboard.
Encourage your child to continue inserting sticks until the entire cardboard is full of colorful fence posts. Try pushing sticks into slots placed at different heights.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required during the preparation phase when using scissors. Ensure the child sits stably at the table while performing the pushing action.

Cotton Ball Rescue Clip

Steps:

Set up the activity by placing the empty egg carton on one side of the table and the bowl of cotton balls on the other.
Give the child one or two clothespins. Explain that the clothespin is a “rescue tool” used to pick up the cotton balls without using fingers.
Encourage the child to squeeze the clothespin open, grasp one cotton ball, and carefully transfer it into a cup of the egg carton. Try to fill every cup!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child maintains good posture while sitting at the table. If they get frustrated with the resistance of the clothespins, try using larger, easier-to-squeeze kitchen tongs first before transitioning back to the smaller clothespins.

Card Scroll Builders

Steps:

Place an Index Card flat on the table. Use your helper hand to stabilize the card firmly against the surface.
Use your working hand to place a pencil on the short edge of the card. Roll the card tightly around the pencil to create a firm scroll.
Once the card is fully rolled, carefully slide the pencil out while keeping the scroll tight. Place the finished scroll into the container.
Choose a small sticker. Use your precise pincer grasp (pinching fingers) to peel it off the backing.
Quickly wrap the sticker around the center of the scroll to keep it from unraveling. Challenge yourself to fill the container with colorful, tightly rolled scrolls!

Safety Tip:
Use large, age-appropriate stickers during this activity. Ensure close adult supervision to prevent the child from placing small stickers or paper pieces in the mouth.

Clip Chain Creation

Steps:

Tear the construction paper into small strips (about 3 inches long) or pre-cut them if tearing is difficult.
Use the markers to draw a simple pattern like stripes or dots on each paper strip.
Set up the area by tying one end of the yarn or string to a sturdy chair or door frame so it hangs down.
Pick up one paper clip using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger).
Clip the first paper strip onto the end of the hanging yarn.
Use your opposite hand to stabilize the paper strip. Clip the next paper strip onto the first one, continuing until all strips form a long chain.

Safety Tip:
Paper clips are small objects. Close adult supervision is required for this age group to prevent choking hazards.

Pom-Pom Skyscraper

Steps:

Set up the building zone by placing the Styrofoam block on the table and putting the bowl of toothpicks and pom-poms beside it.
Encourage your child to use their dominant hand to push the sharp end of the toothpicks straight down into the Styrofoam, creating tall ‘towers’ in a pattern or design. Remind them to use their helper hand to stabilize and hold the foam block steady.
Once the ‘skyscrapers’ are built, challenge the child to use a neat pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to carefully place one pom-pom onto the top of each exposed toothpick tip, trying to balance it gently.

Safety Tip:
Due to the sharp nature of toothpicks, this activity requires direct adult supervision. Ensure the child understands the toothpicks are only for building and must never be put near the face or mouth.