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.

Clip Straightener Stack

Clip Straightener Stack

Steps:

  • Secure the paper plate on the table. Use your child’s helper hand to stabilize it. Roll the playdough into a long log shape and press it firmly onto the plate to create a resistant base.
  • Pick up one paper clip. Encourage your child to use both hands together to pull and bend the paper clip until it is completely straight. This requires concentration and effort.
  • Using a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger), push the sharp end of the straightened wire deep into the resistant playdough roll. Continue this process until the plate is full of straight wire posts.

Safety Tip:
Paper clips can become sharp once straightened. Adults must supervise closely to ensure the wires are only used in the playdough and not near the face. Monitor for choking if the child mouths small pieces of playdough.

Tear Tape Art

Tear Tape Art

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw a simple picture or shape on the construction paper. Keep the lines wide and easy to fill.
  • Give the child long strips of masking tape. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the tape into tiny, postage stamp-sized pieces. Drop the torn pieces into the plastic container.
  • Challenge the child to use a precise pincer grasp to pick up the small tape pieces. Press them firmly onto the marker lines, filling in the design like a mosaic.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children closely during this activity. Ensure that torn pieces of masking tape are not placed in the mouth or near the face.

Ribbon Ring Tie

Ribbon Ring Tie

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use the hole puncher to create 8 to 10 holes evenly around the rim of the plastic container. Cut the ribbon into short, 6-inch strips.
  • Place the container on the table. Encourage your child to use their non-dominant hand to hold the container steady (proximal stability).
  • Take one ribbon strip and thread one end through a punched hole using their dominant hand’s fingertips.
  • Challenge your child to grasp both ribbon ends tightly with their thumb and pointer finger, pulling them to tie a simple knot or loop around the edge of the container.
  • Repeat this process, tying colorful ribbons onto every hole around the container to create a decorative, ‘fringed’ look.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is essential. Small pieces of ribbon pose a choking hazard if placed in the mouth. Ensure the child focuses only on the tying task.

Squeeze Slot Mail Drop

Squeeze Slot Mail Drop

Steps:

  • Use markers to color several index cards brightly. You can also cut simple shapes from construction paper and tape them onto the cards.
  • Place long strips of masking tape across the top opening of the container. Crisscross the tape strips to create a very tight, narrow slot in the center.
  • Ask your child to hold the container firmly with their non-dominant hand. This stabilizes the toy for the working hand.
  • Pick up one index card. Encourage your child to squeeze the card flat lengthwise using their fingertips.
  • Challenge them to push the squeezed, flat card straight through the narrow, resistant tape slot. Repeat this until all the mail is successfully delivered.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required during this activity. Ensure the child remains focused on the task and does not attempt to ingest any pieces of masking tape or paper.

Screw Tower Twist

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use a pencil to poke 4 to 6 holes in the cardboard. The holes should be slightly smaller than the bolts for good resistance.
  • Place the cardboard on the table. Use the marker to draw a simple circle around each hole to create a target zone.
  • Challenge your child to hold the cardboard firmly with one hand (the helper hand) to stabilize it on the table.
  • Using their dominant hand, push a bolt straight through a target hole until only the threads stick out the back.
  • Carefully thread a matching nut onto the bolt. Use repeated forearm twisting (like turning a key) to tighten the nut down to the cardboard surface.
  • Once the nut is tight, try unscrewing and removing all pieces to repeat the challenge.

Safety Tip:
Nuts and bolts are very small and pose a choking hazard. Always supervise the child closely during this activity. Ensure all pieces are collected and stored safely after playtime.