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.

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.

The Felt Fish Hook Rescue

The Felt Fish Hook Rescue

Steps:

  • Use your markers to draw 5 small fish shapes on your felt.
  • Carefully cut out the felt fish using your scissors.
  • Cut 5 tiny strips of cardboard, about 1 inch long each.
  • Glue the ends of a cardboard strip to a fish to make a small loop.
  • Repeat this for all 5 fish and place them inside your basket.
  • Take a pipe cleaner and twist one end into a small, sturdy hook.
  • Wrap the other end of the pipe cleaner around your child’s index finger.
  • Challenge your child to hold the basket steady with one hand.
  • Use the finger hook to snag a fish loop and lift it out!

Safety Tip:
Pipe cleaners have wire ends. Ensure the ends are curled inward or covered with tape to prevent scratches.

The Foil Pan Color Pond

The Foil Pan Color Pond

Steps:

  • Fill three paper cups halfway with cool water and add two drops of different food coloring to each.
  • Place the empty aluminium foil pan onto a flat table or a waterproof surface.
  • Ask your child to hold the eyedropper using their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Challenge them to suck up the colored water from a cup and carefully move it over to the pan.
  • Have your child use their other hand to hold the edge of the pan to keep it still.
  • Encourage them to release small drops into the pan to create colorful patterns or ‘ponds.’
  • Try to mix colors together in the pan to see what new colors appear!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play. Ensure that food coloring is handled carefully to prevent staining of clothes or household surfaces.