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 Tiny Pom-Pom Tree Grove

The Tiny Pom-Pom Tree Grove

Steps:

  • Use a pair of scissors to cut small, three-inch circles from your cardboard pieces.
  • Have your child use the hole puncher to click a single hole right in the center of every circle.
  • Slide one pipe cleaner through the hole and twist the bottom so the tree stands up tall.
  • Bend the top of the pipe cleaner into several little branches that point in different directions.
  • Ask your child to pick up a colorful pom-pom using only their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Carefully set the pom-pom on a branch so it stays perfectly balanced without any glue.
  • Challenge them to see how many pom-poms they can add to their tiny forest!

Safety Tip:
Pom-poms are a choking hazard. Please supervise your child closely and ensure they do not put them in their mouth.

The Golf Tee Yarn Trail

The Golf Tee Yarn Trail

Steps:

  • Place a block of Styrofoam on a flat table.
  • Use markers to draw several small circles on the foam.
  • Pick up a golf ball tee using your pinching fingers.
  • Push the tee straight down into one of the circles.
  • Repeat this until every circle has its own mountain.
  • Tie the end of a long piece of yarn to the first tee.
  • Guide the yarn around the other tees to make a trail.
  • Pull the yarn tight to see your colorful design!

Safety Tip:
Golf ball tees have sharp points. Please watch your child closely to keep them safe. Small items like tees and yarn can be a choking hazard.

The Ribbon Ladder Rescue

The Ribbon Ladder Rescue

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to secure two long ribbons vertically onto a wall.
  • Space the ribbons about five inches apart so the sticks fit between them.
  • Ensure the ribbons are pulled tight from the top to the bottom.
  • Give your child a handful of clothespins and several colorful craft sticks.
  • Ask them to hold a craft stick horizontally against the two ribbons.
  • Show them how to clip the stick to the ribbons using the clothespins.
  • Repeat this to build several rungs all the way up the wall.
  • Once the ladder is finished, they can use their fingers to climb it!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they do not pull the ribbon off the wall or put materials in their mouth.

The Silver Pan Web Weaver

The Silver Pan Web Weaver

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw ten dots around the rim of the pan.
  • Use a pencil to poke a hole through each dot.
  • Tie one end of the yarn to the first hole.
  • Thread the yarn across the pan to another hole.
  • Continue until the silver web is finished!

Safety Tip:
Poking holes with a pencil requires steady hands. Always supervise your child to prevent any pokes to the skin.

The Styrofoam Star Map

The Styrofoam Star Map

Steps:

  • Grab a flat block of Styrofoam and set it on the table.
  • Use a marker to draw 8 small dots across the foam.
  • Ask your child to pick up a golf ball tee using their pinching fingers.
  • Have them push the pointy end of the tee straight into a dot.
  • Repeat this until all the stars have a pillar standing up.
  • Now, place a single bead on top of each golf ball tee.
  • Ask them to move slowly so the beads stay on the pillars.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Golf ball tees have pointed ends and beads are a choking hazard. Keep these materials away from small children and pets.