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.

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.

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.