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.

Banded Bottle Bean Slider

Banded Bottle Bean Slider

Steps:

  • Take the plastic bottle and wrap four pipe cleaners tightly around the middle section.
  • Use small pieces of masking tape to secure the ends of the pipe cleaners so they do not slide around.
  • Place one dry bean at the very bottom of the bottle.
  • Hold the bottle firmly with your helper hand to keep it from moving on the table.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to slide the bean up the bottle, pushing it underneath the first tight pipe cleaner band.
  • Continue sliding and pushing the bean past every band until it reaches the top of the bottle.
  • Try to see how fast you can do it without the bean popping out from under your finger!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Dry beans are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard. Ensure all materials are collected and stored safely after play.

Resistance Fold & Tweeze Art

Resistance Fold & Tweeze Art

Steps:

  • Give your child the index cards. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the cards into small, rough, 2-inch squares.
  • Take one torn square. Use strong finger force to fold it tightly in half, then fold it again to create a stiff, resistant 3D shape.
  • Draw a simple line or shape onto the cardboard base using the liquid glue bottle. Encourage controlled squeezing.
  • Press the stiff, folded cardboard shapes firmly onto the wet glue line. Use maximum force to create a stable, textured sculpture or wall.
  • Place the pile of sequins nearby. Hold the tweezers like a pencil in your dominant hand.
  • Use the tweezers to carefully pick up one tiny sequin. Transfer it to the cardboard structure.
  • Press the sequin onto the resistant folds to decorate your 3D art. Continue this until all the folded pieces are covered in sparkle!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Sequins and small, crumpled paper pieces are very small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths.

Cardboard Tunnel Connectors

Cardboard Tunnel Connectors

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw several long strips (about 1 inch wide) onto the sturdy cardboard.
  • Challenge your child to use both hands to roll one cardboard strip tightly into a narrow tube or ‘tunnel.’ Secure the tube seam completely with masking tape.
  • Repeat this process until you have four or five finished cardboard tubes. Encourage tight rolling for resistance.
  • Take two pipe cleaners and twist them together tightly to create one stiff, thick connector stick. Repeat this step for each join you plan to make.
  • Ask your child to hold one cardboard tube firmly steady with their helper hand. Push one stiff connector halfway into the end of the first tube.
  • Pick up a second cardboard tube. Use a strong, controlled push to slide the second tube onto the exposed end of the connector. Continue joining the tubes to build a long, rigid tunnel structure.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners are small materials and pose a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Adults should manage the scissors for cutting the cardboard strips.

Tight Weave Screw Frame

Tight Weave Screw Frame

Steps:

  • Use the Markers to draw a sturdy frame or square onto the Cardboard. Use the Scissors to cut this frame out (parent assistance may be needed).
  • Take the Index Cards and cut them into long, colorful strips for weaving. Draw a simple pattern on them using markers.
  • Glue the beginning of each strip to the back of the Cardboard frame. Weave the strips tightly across the frame, then secure the ends with Glue on the back.
  • Using the Hole Puncher, squeeze hard to punch 4 holes straight through the woven layers and the Cardboard frame. This requires strong effort!
  • Stabilize the frame with your helper hand. Push a Bolt straight through one of the tight, punched holes.
  • Pick up a Nut with a precise Pincer Grasp. Twist the Nut firmly onto the Bolt until the woven strips are compressed tightly. Repeat until all holes are secured.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required when using scissors. Ensure the child handles the nuts and bolts appropriately, keeping them away from the mouth, nose, and ears.

Heavy Paper Link Builders

Heavy Paper Link Builders

Steps:

  • Tear the index cards into strips (about 1 inch wide). Encourage strong, controlled pulls for heavy work input.
  • Take one paper strip. Roll it tightly around a marker or a pencil, creating a dense cylinder. Slide the marker out.
  • Secure the dense paper cylinder tightly by wrapping masking tape completely around it. Press hard to create a firm ‘building block.’
  • Use markers to draw small connection dots onto the center of each paper block. Aim for four dots per block.
  • Pick up one pipe cleaner. Hold the first paper block steady with your helper hand.
  • Push the stiff pipe cleaner straight through one of the marked dots. Aim the pipe cleaner and thread it through a second block to link them. Twist the ends to secure the connection.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Small pieces of paper, masking tape, and cut pipe cleaners pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.