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 Magnetic Paper Clip Fish

The Magnetic Paper Clip Fish

Steps:

  • Draw several fish shapes on a flat piece of cardboard using your bright markers.
  • Help your child carefully cut out each fish using the safety scissors.
  • Slide a single paper clip over the nose of every cardboard fish.
  • Take a long paper roll and tape one end of a piece of string to the top.
  • Tie a second paper clip to the loose end of the string to act as the hook.
  • Place the fish on the floor and hold the paper roll with both hands.
  • Challenge your child to lower the hook and link it onto a fish’s paper clip to rescue it!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small paper clips can be a choking hazard if placed in the mouth. Ensure the string is kept away from the neck area.

The Pool Noodle Penny Bank

The Pool Noodle Penny Bank

Steps:

  • An adult uses a knife to cut several narrow slits into a pool noodle.
  • Use your markers to write point values like 5, 10, or 25 next to each slot.
  • Give your child five coins from a plastic container to hold in their palm at once.
  • Ask your child to move one coin to their fingertips without using their other hand.
  • Challenge them to push the coin firmly into a slot on the pool noodle.
  • Repeat this until all the coins are safely inside the noodle bank!

Safety Tip:
Coins are a choking hazard. Keep them away from younger siblings. Always supervise your child during play.

Secret Cardboard Window Latches

Secret Cardboard Window Latches

Steps:

  • Decorate three index cards using your bright markers.
  • Draw a small treasure or a smiley face on a cardboard sheet.
  • Place a colorful sticker in the center of your drawing for a surprise.
  • Use masking tape to attach one edge of an index card over your drawing.
  • This creates a small door that can open and close.
  • Squeeze a paper clip open slightly using your thumb and index finger.
  • Slide the paper clip over the edge of the card door and the cardboard.
  • Challenge your child to slide the latch off to find the treasure!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure paper clips are used safely and kept away from the mouth.

The Stocking Bean Bag Rescue

The Stocking Bean Bag Rescue

Steps:

  • Place one bean bag into the toe of a long stocking.
  • Hold the top of the stocking with your helper hand.
  • Use your dominant hand to find the bean bag through the fabric.
  • Use your fingers to pinch and push the bean bag up the leg.
  • Slide the bag all the way to the top opening.
  • Take the bean bag out and switch hands to try again!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Check the bean bag for any tears or loose beads before starting.

Butcher Paper Body Map

Butcher Paper Body Map

Steps:

  • Lay a long piece of butcher paper on the floor.
  • Use masking tape to secure the corners so it stays still.
  • Ask your child to lie down flat on their back on the paper.
  • Slowly trace around their whole body using a bright marker.
  • Have your child stand up and look at their twin on the paper.
  • Give them a sheet of stickers and ask them to place a sticker on their knees.
  • Challenge them to place stickers on their elbows, toes, and belly button too!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Stickers can be a choking hazard, so make sure they stay on the paper and not in the mouth.