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.

Beaded Joint Dancer

Beaded Joint Dancer

Steps:

  • Draw a person or animal on construction paper with markers.
  • Cut out the head, body, and limbs as separate pieces.
  • Use a hole puncher to make a hole at each limb joint.
  • Punch matching holes on the shoulders and hips of the body.
  • Thread a piece of yarn through the holes to join pieces.
  • Tie the yarn loosely so the dancer can move its limbs.
  • Slide beads onto the yarn ends to add color and weight.
  • Use masking tape to hang your dancer on a door.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use a hole puncher to prevent finger pinches. Keep small beads away from younger siblings to avoid choking.

Foil Gem Treasure Rescue

Foil Gem Treasure Rescue

Steps:

  • Help your child cut small squares of aluminum foil using safety scissors.
  • Wrap one bead inside each piece of foil to make a treasure gem.
  • Squeeze the foil tightly so the bead is hidden.
  • Place each foil gem into a separate slot in the ice cube tray.
  • Give your child the tweezers to hold with their dominant hand.
  • Ask them to move the gems into the aluminum foil pan.
  • Once moved, use both hands to unwrap the foil and find the beads.

Safety Tip:
Beads and small foil pieces are choking hazards. Always supervise your child closely during this activity. Ensure all beads are collected after play.

Floating Sponge Button Stack

Floating Sponge Button Stack

Steps:

  • Fill the aluminium foil pan halfway with water.
  • Place the sponge gently on top of the water so it floats.
  • Put a small bowl of buttons next to the pan.
  • Ask your child to pick up one button using their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Challenge them to place the button carefully onto the center of the floating sponge.
  • See how many buttons they can stack before the sponge tips or sinks!
  • Try placing buttons on the corners of the sponge to see how it wobbles.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play. Buttons are small and are a choking hazard. Ensure your child does not put them in their mouth.

Button Bridge Balance

Button Bridge Balance

Steps:

  • Roll four or five large balls of playdough with both hands.
  • Press the playdough balls onto a table to create stable pillars.
  • Lay a craft stick across two playdough pillars to make a bridge.
  • Pick up one button using your thumb and pointer finger.
  • Carefully place the button on the narrow craft stick bridge.
  • See how many buttons you can stack before the bridge tips!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Buttons and playdough are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for young children.

Foamy Pan Treasure Search

Foamy Pan Treasure Search

Steps:

  • Fill the aluminium foil pan with a thick layer of shaving cream. Spread it out to cover the whole bottom.
  • Sprinkle a handful of colorful sequins all over the foam. Use your fingers to push them down so they are hidden.
  • Give your child the tongs and the empty plastic container.
  • Ask your child to use the tongs to search through the foam and find the hidden gems.
  • Once they find a sequin, they must pick it up and drop it into the plastic container.
  • See if they can find all the colors of the rainbow!

Safety Tip:
Shaving cream can be irritating to the eyes. Always supervise closely. Ensure your child does not place the shaving cream or sequins in their mouth. Wash hands thoroughly after play.