Skill: Pincer Control

Using the tips of the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects. This delicate movement is used for eating finger foods, buttoning clothes, and eventually holding a pencil.

The Rice Pan Bridge Cross

The Rice Pan Bridge Cross

Steps:

  • Pour Rice into the Aluminium Foil Pan.
  • Place three Craft Sticks across the pan width to form narrow bridges.
  • Put a few small Blocks on the table next to the pan.
  • Give your child the Tongs to pick up one Block.
  • Challenge them to walk the Block across a Craft Stick bridge.
  • If the Block falls into the Rice, try again!
  • Deliver all the Blocks to the other side to win.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when playing with small blocks or rice. These materials can be a choking hazard. Ensure the pan is on a flat surface to prevent spills.

The Aluminum Foil Pincer Boats

The Aluminum Foil Pincer Boats

Steps:

  • Tear off small squares of aluminum foil using both hands.
  • Pinch and fold the edges up to make a tiny boat shape.
  • Fill a plastic container with water and float your boats.
  • Use tweezers to pick up one bead at a time.
  • Carefully place the beads into the boats one by one.
  • Try to keep the boat level so it does not sink!

Safety Tip:
Beads and small foil pieces are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child during water play.

The Ziplock Button Slide

The Ziplock Button Slide

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw three different colored circles on the front of a Ziplock bag.
  • Place buttons that match those colors inside the bag.
  • Add a small splash of water to the bag.
  • Seal the bag very tightly to prevent leaks.
  • Tape the bag flat onto a table using masking tape.
  • Ask your child to use their pointer finger to slide buttons into the matching circles.
  • Encourage them to move slowly to keep the buttons under their finger.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Buttons are a choking hazard. Ensure the bag is sealed and taped down firmly.

The Foil Button Press

The Foil Button Press

Steps:

  • Tear off a large sheet of aluminum foil.
  • Use both hands to crumple the foil into a flat, thick pancake shape.
  • Press down hard on the foil with your palm to make it dense.
  • Give your child a handful of colorful buttons.
  • Ask them to press each button firmly into the foil surface.
  • The foil will wrap around the edges to hold the buttons tight!
  • Try to cover the whole foil pancake with a button pattern.

Safety Tip:
Buttons are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child during play.

The Royal Cardboard Cuff

The Royal Cardboard Cuff

Steps:

  • Help your child use scissors to cut a paper roll into three wide rings.
  • Use the hole puncher to make several holes around the edge of one ring.
  • Let your child decorate the cardboard rings with colorful markers.
  • Tie one end of the yarn to a hole on the ring.
  • Ask your child to thread the yarn through the other holes, adding beads as they go.
  • Tie a knot at the end to secure the royal cuff.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using scissors. Small beads are a choking hazard; keep them away from children who still put items in their mouths.