Skill: Pincer Grasp

The pincer grasp is the coordination of the index finger and thumb to hold an item. Each time you hold a pen or button your shirt, you’re using the pincer grasp.

Pincer grasp is a hand grasp that develops around the time a baby is 8-10 months old. This grasp corresponds to the time a baby is beginning to feed themselves finger foods. The pincer grasp is needed in order to grasp a small item, pinch it between the index and thumb and bring it to the mouth.

The Vertical Pipe Cleaner Meadow

The Vertical Pipe Cleaner Meadow

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw a bright green field of grass on your cardboard.
  • Use your scissors to snip five small, narrow slits across the top of the cardboard.
  • Use masking tape to secure the cardboard vertically to a wall at your child’s shoulder height.
  • Give your child several pipe cleaners to act as flower stems.
  • Ask them to hold the board with their helper hand while pushing a stem into a slit.
  • Use a pincer grasp to balance a colorful pom-pom on top of each fuzzy stem.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Pipe cleaners can have sharp metal ends, so tuck them in. Small pom-poms are a choking hazard.

The Floating Balloon Anchor

The Floating Balloon Anchor

Steps:

  • Fill a large bucket halfway with water.
  • Blow up a balloon and tie it tightly.
  • Cut a piece of string about one foot long.
  • Tie one end of the string to the balloon knot.
  • Tie the other end to a single paper clip.
  • Place the balloon in the water so it floats.
  • Ask your child to link more paper clips onto the first one.
  • Watch as the chain grows longer and heavier.
  • Keep adding clips until the balloon starts to sink!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play. Paper clips and balloons are small parts. They can be a choking hazard. Pick up any popped balloon pieces right away.

The Ribbon-Linked Clip Path

The Ribbon-Linked Clip Path

Steps:

  • Use your markers to draw six colorful circles around the edge of a paper plate.
  • Assign a number from one to six inside each circle.
  • An adult should cut a long piece of ribbon about two feet long.
  • Ask your child to hold the paper plate steady with their helper hand.
  • Use the other hand to clip a clothespin onto circle number one.
  • Have your child thread the ribbon through the metal spring of the clothespin.
  • Move to circle number two and clip on the next clothespin.
  • Continue threading the ribbon through each clip in numerical order until the path is complete!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors or small ribbons. Ensure the ribbon is not wrapped around fingers or the neck.

The Spaghetti Baking Cup Forest

The Spaghetti Baking Cup Forest

Steps:

  • Press a large lump of playdough onto the paper plate.
  • Flatten it with your hand to make a base.
  • Push five dry spaghetti sticks into the dough.
  • Carefully poke a hole in the bottom of a baking cup.
  • Slide the cup upside down onto a spaghetti stick.
  • Repeat this until all your trees have tops.
  • Use your pinching fingers to glue a button on top.

Safety Tip:
Spaghetti can be brittle and sharp. Buttons are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child during play.

The Pincer Mask Maker

The Pincer Mask Maker

Steps:

  • Draw two large eye circles on a paper bag.
  • Help your child cut out the eyes.
  • Spread glue around the eyes.
  • Use a pincer grasp to pick up one bean at a time.
  • Press the beans into the glue to make eyebrows.
  • Add sequins for a sparkly nose.
  • Slide the bag over your head to reveal your new face!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child closely while using scissors. Small beans and sequins can be a choking hazard. Keep all small parts away from the mouth.