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.

Sticky Sequin Tongs Pull

Sticky Sequin Tongs Pull

Steps:

  • Squeeze several small, thick dots of liquid glue onto a sturdy piece of cardboard.
  • Press one sequin firmly into the center of each wet glue dot. Let the glue set for 15 minutes until it is very tacky and resistant.
  • Ask your child to hold the cardboard steady with their non-dominant (helper) hand to stabilize the base.
  • Use the tongs to firmly pinch one sequin. Encourage them to hold the tongs like a pencil.
  • Use a strong, controlled pull to peel the sticky dot completely off the cardboard surface.
  • Transfer the rescued sequin and drop it precisely into the empty container target. Repeat until all the dots are pulled free!

Safety Tip:
Sequins and small glue dots are tiny materials. Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Ensure all small pieces are collected immediately after play, as they pose a choking hazard.

Sticky Rice Push-Through

Sticky Rice Push-Through

Steps:

  • Prep the Pucks: Squeeze a small circle of glue onto an Index Card. Sprinkle a thick layer of dry Rice onto the glue and press it down firmly. Let the glue set for 15 minutes until tacky.
  • Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut a tight, narrow slot (about 1.5 inches long) into the Container lid. Secure the lid tightly onto the container with Masking Tape.
  • Tear the Index Card into small squares, making sure each rice/glue spot stays centered on its own small piece.
  • Stabilize: Ask the child to hold the container firmly steady with their helper hand on the table.
  • Load and Deliver: Pick up one Craft Stick. Use the stick to push the resistant, sticky rice puck straight through the narrow slot. Repeat this until all pucks are delivered!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Dry rice is a small material and poses a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Sticky Sponge Dot Press

Sticky Sponge Dot Press

Steps:

  • Place the thick sponge securely inside the plastic container to keep it stable.
  • Peel the backing off the small sticky Velcro dots. Press them firmly onto the top surface of the sponge.
  • Pour the small beads or buttons into a separate small pile next to the sponge.
  • Ask your child to hold the container steady with their helper hand to stabilize the base.
  • Use their working hand to pick up one bead using a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Aim the bead at one of the Velcro targets. Use a strong, controlled press to stick the bead onto the rough Velcro dot.
  • Repeat the pressing action until all the Velcro dots are successfully covered in colorful beads.

Safety Tip:
Small beads and Velcro pieces are potential choking hazards. Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Ensure all materials are collected and stored safely after play.

Vertical Fuzzy Line Clip

Vertical Fuzzy Line Clip

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use markers to color 3 or 4 pipe cleaners and matching clothespins (e.g., green, blue, pink).
  • Adult Prep: Tightly stretch the pipe cleaners vertically across the container opening. Secure the ends firmly with tape or punch holes in the container rim to anchor the pipe cleaners.
  • Place the pom-poms and colorful clothespins nearby. Encourage your child to sit stably at the table.
  • Challenge your child to hold the container firmly steady with their helper hand to stabilize the ‘fence.’
  • Use the working hand to select a clothespin. Squeeze it open hard with a strong finger pinch.
  • Aim the clothespin and clip it onto the pipe cleaner line that matches its color. Now, clip a pom-pom onto the clothespin for decoration!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. The small pom-poms and pipe cleaner pieces are choking hazards for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure all materials are collected immediately after play.

Kernel Cannon Wall

Kernel Cannon Wall

Steps:

  • Mix the playdough with a little water in the container until it forms a thick, sticky sludge. Stir in a handful of corn kernels to make the mixture highly resistant.
  • Secure the piece of cardboard vertically onto a stable wall or door using masking tape. Use markers to draw a large, simple target shape on the board.
  • Hold the eyedropper (or baster) with a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger). Squeeze the bulb hard to suck up the resistant kernel sludge mixture.
  • Hold the cardboard steady with your helper hand to keep the surface stable. Aim the loaded dropper at the marker target.
  • Squeeze the dropper forcefully to shoot the kernel sludge onto the target. Encourage maximum effort! Repeat this action until the target is completely covered.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Playdough and corn kernels are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure the mixture is used only as intended.