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 Foil Caterpillar Match

The Foil Caterpillar Match

Steps:

  • Tear off a long sheet of Aluminium Foil.
  • Use both hands to roll and squeeze the foil into a long, thick snake shape.
  • Use your markers to draw six colorful spots along the caterpillar’s back.
  • Color the tips of six clothespins to match the spots on the caterpillar.
  • Ask your child to hold the foil body with one hand.
  • Have them use their other hand to clip a matching leg onto each colored spot.
  • Challenge them to stand the caterpillar up on its new legs!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Ensure the edges of the foil are pressed flat to avoid scratches.

The Vertical Felt Leaf Clip

The Vertical Felt Leaf Clip

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw a thick, winding vine on a piece of cardboard.
  • Use your scissors to cut out the vine shape for your child.
  • Tape the vine shape vertically onto a wall at your child’s eye level.
  • Cut out several small leaf shapes from the colorful felt sheets.
  • Ask your child to use a pincer grasp to clip a leaf onto the vine.
  • Challenge them to reach across their body to place leaves on the opposite side.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required while using scissors. Ensure the cardboard is taped firmly to prevent it from sliding.

Shiny Shape Impression Match

Shiny Shape Impression Match

Steps:

  • Tape a large sheet of aluminium foil onto a flat piece of cardboard.
  • Select five buttons with different shapes or textures from your collection.
  • Ask your child to press each button firmly into the foil to leave a mark.
  • Remove all the buttons and place them into a small basket.
  • Challenge your child to pick a button and match it back to its shiny foil home.
  • Encourage them to feel the foil marks with their fingertips before choosing.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small buttons are a choking hazard and should be kept away from the mouth.

The Foam Garden Button Push

The Foam Garden Button Push

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a simple flower center on your foam sheet.
  • Ask an adult to cut four narrow slits around the flower center using scissors.
  • Place the foam sheet flat on the table.
  • Have your child hold the foam steady with their helper hand.
  • Give them a pile of colorful, large buttons to use as petals.
  • Ask them to use their pinching fingers to push a button halfway into a slit.
  • Repeat until the flower has a full circle of colorful button petals!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small buttons can be a choking hazard. Ensure the buttons are large enough and kept away from the mouth.

The Foil Bead Wrap Rescue

The Foil Bead Wrap Rescue

Steps:

  • Tear off several small squares of aluminum foil, about the size of your hand.
  • Place one colorful bead in the center of a foil square.
  • Show your toddler how to use their fingertips to crumple the foil around the bead until it is completely hidden.
  • Place all the finished ‘silver balls’ into a bowl.
  • Ask your child to pick up one ball using their pinching fingers.
  • Challenge them to use both hands to carefully unwrap the foil and rescue the bead inside!
  • Once rescued, drop the bead into a separate tray and start the next one.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses small beads. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not put any materials in their mouth.