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.

Foam Slot Tongs

Foam Slot Tongs

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use markers to draw one narrow, horizontal slit (about 2 inches long) onto the container lid. Carefully cut the slit using scissors. Secure the lid shut with masking tape.
  • Use scissors to cut the foam sheets into many small, 1-inch squares. Drop the cut squares into the small container.
  • Place the target container flat on the table. Encourage your child to hold the container firmly with their helper hand to stabilize it.
  • Pick up the tongs. Use the tongs to grab one foam square using a strong pincer grip.
  • Carefully aim the foam piece toward the narrow slot. Push the foam piece completely through the slot and drop it inside the container.
  • Continue transferring all the foam pieces into the slot until the small container is empty.

Safety Tip:
Since this activity involves small foam pieces and the use of scissors during preparation, constant, direct adult supervision is required. Small pieces of foam are a choking hazard for children under five.

Foil Moat Precision Drop

Foil Moat Precision Drop

Steps:

  • Place the aluminum foil pan on the table. Use the playdough to create thick walls or ‘dams’ inside the pan, leaving narrow paths or ‘moats’ between them.
  • Mix a small amount of water with a drop of food coloring in the container to make your ‘magic potion.’
  • Show your child how to hold the eyedropper using their thumb and pointer finger (a strong pincer grasp).
  • Challenge your child to squeeze the eyedropper bulb to suck up the colored water.
  • Now, carefully aim the dropper over a moat. Encourage them to squeeze gently to release the water into the narrow path without letting it flood the playdough dam.
  • Repeat this process until all the moats are filled with colorful water. Encourage them to hold the foil pan steady with their helper hand while they work.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Playdough is a choking hazard if ingested. Ensure the child only uses the eyedropper for the intended purpose and does not consume the colored water.

Cardboard Confetti Collage

Cardboard Confetti Collage

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to secure the large piece of cardboard firmly onto the table. This acts as your stable canvas.
  • Give your child a stack of index cards. Encourage them to use the hole puncher to make many small circles (confetti). Squeezing the puncher requires strength!
  • Challenge your child to tear the remaining index cards into tiny, jagged pieces using both hands together.
  • Now, use only the fingertips to crumple and squeeze the punched circles and torn pieces into tight, dense confetti balls.
  • Draw a simple shape (like a circle or heart) onto the cardboard using glue from the bottle. Use controlled squeezing.
  • Use a careful pincer grasp to pick up the sequins and crumpled confetti. Press them onto the wet glue to create a colorful, textured collage.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Sequins and crumpled paper pieces are small objects and pose a choking hazard for children under five. Ensure all materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Putty Piston Push

Putty Piston Push

Steps:

  • Press a large lump of Theraputty (or stiff playdough) firmly into the bottom of the Plastic Container or lid to create a stable, resistant base.
  • Place the small Beads and Craft Sticks in separate piles next to the container. Ask your child to sit stably at the work area.
  • Challenge the child to use their non-dominant hand to firmly hold the container steady on the table.
  • Pick up one craft stick. Use a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger) to balance one small bead onto the end of the stick.
  • Aim the loaded stick at the putty. Use a strong, controlled push to drive the stick deep into the resistant base, ‘planting’ the bead.
  • Repeat this action until the entire putty base is filled with sticks. Encourage maximum pushing effort for heavy work input!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Beads and Theraputty/Playdough are small objects and pose a choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Moving Target Delivery

Moving Target Delivery

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use masking tape to secure the paper cup firmly onto the outside of the large ball. This cup is the moving target.
  • Place the buttons in the container nearby. Set the moving target ball on the floor in a clear, open space.
  • Ask your child to pick up one button using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Gently roll or move the ball slowly across the floor. Encourage your child to walk or squat as they follow the target.
  • Challenge your child to aim carefully and drop the button into the narrow opening of the paper cup while the ball is moving slowly.
  • Repeat the process: pick up a button, chase the moving target, and deposit the item inside. Encourage them to try different body positions, like kneeling or squatting, while aiming.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Buttons are small, hard objects and pose a choking hazard. Ensure the playing area is clear to prevent tripping while the child moves with the ball.