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.

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.

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.