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.

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Secure the paper roll horizontally onto the cardboard base using strong masking tape. This creates a stable ‘dowel’ for twisting.
  • Use the markers to draw colorful stripes or dots onto several index cards. Cut the decorated cards into long, narrow strips (about 1/2 inch wide).
  • Take one paper strip. Use your fingertips to curl and twist the strip tightly around itself to create a stiff, narrow spiral shape.
  • Secure the end of the paper spiral with a small amount of glue to keep the resistant shape from unrolling. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make a pile of colorful spirals.
  • Hold the cardboard base firmly steady with your non-dominant hand. Pick up a paper spiral with your working hand.
  • Aim the spiral at the paper roll. Use a continuous twisting motion (like screwing in a lightbulb) to thread the spiral onto the roll, pushing it along the core.
  • Continue twisting and pushing the colorful spirals until the entire paper roll is covered in dense, textured art. Then, try unwinding them!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Adults should manage the scissors for preparation. Ensure the child remains seated stably to focus on the fine motor movements and to prevent the board from tipping.

Sticky Line Wall Art

Sticky Line Wall Art

Steps:

  • Secure the construction paper onto the sturdy cardboard base with masking tape.
  • Use masking tape to secure the cardboard vertically onto a wall or door at your child’s chest height.
  • Use the markers to draw a simple line, shape, or path onto the paper for your child to follow.
  • Challenge your child to hold the glue bottle. Squeeze firmly to trace a thick, continuous line of glue over the marker path.
  • Encourage your child to pick up the dry beans using only their thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp).
  • Press the beans firmly into the wet glue line, following the shape until the entire path is covered. Press hard for heavy work!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Dry beans are small, hard objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths.

Layered Card Clip Tower

Layered Card Clip Tower

Steps:

  • Layer 3 index cards together tightly to make one very thick building block. Secure the edges completely with masking tape.
  • Use a marker to draw 4 small target dots along one short edge of the layered block where you will insert the clips.
  • Take two finished layered blocks. Hold them firmly together with your helper hand to keep the pieces aligned and stable.
  • Pick up a paper clip using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger). Push the clip through the marker target dots on both cards, joining the two blocks. This requires focused effort!
  • Continue connecting the layered cards end-to-end using the paper clips. Build a long, flexible tower or chain structure.
  • For extra heavy work, try tearing the finished paper clip chain apart after you finish building it.
  • Try creating a 3D structure by joining the blocks at different angles.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Paper clips are small metal objects and pose a potential choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure all clips are collected immediately after play.

Twist and Drill Wall Work

Twist and Drill Wall Work

Steps:

  • First, use the masking tape to secure a piece of sturdy cardboard vertically onto a stable wall or door at your child’s chest height.
  • Press a large, thick lump of Theraputty or stiff playdough firmly onto the center of the vertical cardboard. This is your resistant drill target.
  • Hold the craft stick like a pencil. Encourage your child to use their helper hand to stabilize the cardboard next to the putty.
  • Aim the craft stick at the putty. Use strong finger pressure and a twisting motion to ‘drill’ the stick deep into the resistant putty.
  • Switch directions and twist the stick the opposite way to pull it out. Repeat this drill motion, filling the putty surface with holes.
  • Try putting all the sticks in, then pull them out. See how fast you can twist and drill all the sticks into the target!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Theraputty (or playdough) and craft sticks are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Felt Roll & Clip Match

Felt Roll & Clip Match

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw a simple dot on one felt strip and a matching dot on one index card.
  • Place the felt strip flat. Roll the felt tightly around the pencil to create a dense, resistant cylinder.
  • Remove the pencil carefully while holding the felt roll firmly with your helper hand to keep the shape.
  • Pick up the paper clip using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger).
  • Slide the paper clip onto the felt cylinder to secure the roll. This requires effort and focus.
  • Set the finished felt scroll onto the Index Card that has the matching marker dot. Repeat for all felt strips.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Small paper clips and felt scraps pose a potential choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure all materials are collected immediately after play.