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.

Cardboard Confetti Collage

Cardboard Confetti Collage

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to secure the large piece of cardboard firmly onto the table. This acts as your stable canvas.
  • Give your child a stack of index cards. Encourage them to use the hole puncher to make many small circles (confetti). Squeezing the puncher requires strength!
  • Challenge your child to tear the remaining index cards into tiny, jagged pieces using both hands together.
  • Now, use only the fingertips to crumple and squeeze the punched circles and torn pieces into tight, dense confetti balls.
  • Draw a simple shape (like a circle or heart) onto the cardboard using glue from the bottle. Use controlled squeezing.
  • Use a careful pincer grasp to pick up the sequins and crumpled confetti. Press them onto the wet glue to create a colorful, textured collage.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Sequins and crumpled paper pieces are small objects and pose a choking hazard for children under five. Ensure all materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Putty Piston Push

Putty Piston Push

Steps:

  • Press a large lump of Theraputty (or stiff playdough) firmly into the bottom of the Plastic Container or lid to create a stable, resistant base.
  • Place the small Beads and Craft Sticks in separate piles next to the container. Ask your child to sit stably at the work area.
  • Challenge the child to use their non-dominant hand to firmly hold the container steady on the table.
  • Pick up one craft stick. Use a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger) to balance one small bead onto the end of the stick.
  • Aim the loaded stick at the putty. Use a strong, controlled push to drive the stick deep into the resistant base, ‘planting’ the bead.
  • Repeat this action until the entire putty base is filled with sticks. Encourage maximum pushing effort for heavy work input!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Beads and Theraputty/Playdough are small objects and pose a choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Moving Target Delivery

Moving Target Delivery

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use masking tape to secure the paper cup firmly onto the outside of the large ball. This cup is the moving target.
  • Place the buttons in the container nearby. Set the moving target ball on the floor in a clear, open space.
  • Ask your child to pick up one button using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Gently roll or move the ball slowly across the floor. Encourage your child to walk or squat as they follow the target.
  • Challenge your child to aim carefully and drop the button into the narrow opening of the paper cup while the ball is moving slowly.
  • Repeat the process: pick up a button, chase the moving target, and deposit the item inside. Encourage them to try different body positions, like kneeling or squatting, while aiming.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Buttons are small, hard objects and pose a choking hazard. Ensure the playing area is clear to prevent tripping while the child moves with the ball.

Cardboard Tee Lacing

Cardboard Tee Lacing

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw several dots onto the piece of cardboard. These dots are your targets.
  • Place the cardboard flat on a stable table. Challenge your child to hold the cardboard firmly with their helper hand to keep it steady.
  • Pick up a golf tee. Use a strong, controlled push to insert the tee straight through the cardboard at one of the marked dots. Feel the resistance!
  • Remove all the golf tees, leaving behind a set of neat, small holes across the surface.
  • Challenge your child to thread the pipe cleaners through the new holes. They must weave the fuzzy sticks in and out to create a colorful lacing pattern.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Golf ball tees and small pieces of pipe cleaner pose choking hazards for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Clip Line Treasure

Clip Line Treasure

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use markers to draw and cut several small shapes (like fish or stars) from the index cards. Set a long piece of string tautly between two stable points, like chair backs.
  • Place the paper clips in the container and the paper shapes nearby. Encourage your child to sit stably at the work table.
  • Ask your child to hold one paper shape steady with their helper hand to stabilize it.
  • Challenge them to pick up one paper clip. They must use precise fingertips to squeeze the clip open and secure it onto the edge of the paper shape.
  • Now, hold the taut string steady with the helper hand. Carefully clip the paper clip (and the paper shape) onto the hanging string line.
  • Repeat this entire process, clipping all the paper shapes onto the line. Try doing this without letting the string sag or move!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Small paper clips are choking hazards for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.