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 Floating Island Bean Drop

The Floating Island Bean Drop

Steps:

  • Fill the aluminium foil pan halfway with cool water to create your ‘ocean.’
  • Place the sponge gently into the water so it floats like a tiny island.
  • Put a handful of dry beans into a small bowl next to the pan.
  • Show your toddler how to pick up one bean using their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Encourage your child to carefully set the bean onto the center of the floating sponge.
  • Watch as the sponge bobs and tilts with each new bean added!
  • Challenge them to see how many beans the island can hold before it gets too heavy.
  • When finished, they can use their fingers to scoop the beans off the sponge.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Beans are small and pose a risk. Always supervise your toddler closely and store materials safely after play.

The Paper Roll Marble Plunge

The Paper Roll Marble Plunge

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw three small ‘X’ marks on the side of your long paper roll.
  • Have an adult help you poke a small hole through each ‘X’ mark using a pencil tip.
  • Push one craft stick through each hole so it stretches all the way across the inside of the tube.
  • Wrap a piece of masking tape over the bottom of the paper roll to seal it shut tightly.
  • Stand the roll upright inside a plastic container and drop five marbles into the top of the tube.
  • Slowly pull the bottom craft stick out and listen for the marbles to drop to the next level.
  • Remove the remaining sticks one by one until all the marbles are resting on the bottom tape.
  • Peel the tape away to let the marbles plunge into the container for a grand finale!

Safety Tip:
Marbles are a major choking hazard. This activity is for school-age children, but always keep marbles away from younger siblings.

The Foil Pancake Button Press

The Foil Pancake Button Press

Steps:

  • Tear off a large sheet of aluminum foil using both of your hands.
  • Encourage your toddler to crumple the foil into a flat, thick pancake shape.
  • Place the foil pancake inside the aluminum foil pan or onto a piece of cardboard for stability.
  • Give your child a handful of colorful buttons from your collection.
  • Ask them to use their pointer finger and thumb to pick up one button at a time.
  • Challenge your toddler to press each button firmly into the surface of the foil pancake.
  • Watch as the foil wraps slightly around the edges to hold the buttons in place!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Buttons are small and pose a risk. Always supervise your child closely during this activity. Ensure all buttons are put away safely once you are finished playing.

The Hanger Button Rescue

The Hanger Button Rescue

Steps:

  • Take a plastic hanger and wrap several strips of masking tape around the bottom bar.
  • Ensure the sticky side of the tape is facing out toward your child.
  • Press ten colorful buttons onto the sticky tape at different spots.
  • Have your child hold the top of the hanger with one hand to stabilize it.
  • Use the other hand to carefully peel each button off the tape using a pinch.
  • Have them drop each rescued button into a nearby plastic container.

Safety Tip:
Buttons are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise your child during play and ensure all buttons are stored safely after the activity.

The Ribbon Tail Rescue

The Ribbon Tail Rescue

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut several pieces of ribbon into short lengths.
  • Clip a colorful clothespin to one end of every ribbon piece.
  • Securely clip the other end of the ribbons to your child’s waistband.
  • Make sure the ribbons hang down like long animal tails.
  • Ask your child to reach around their back with one hand.
  • They must use a strong pinch to open the clothespin and rescue the ribbon tail while keeping their body standing as still as possible.
  • Challenge them to see how many tails they can catch!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they do not put small materials like clothespins or ribbons in their mouth.