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.

Tension Track Push

Tension Track Push

Steps:

  • Twist three pipe cleaners together tightly to create 4-5 thick, stiff ‘resistance bands.’
  • Stretch and secure these bands tightly across the sturdy cardboard base using masking tape underneath.
  • The bands should be spaced out to create narrow tracks for the beans.
  • Place the beans and craft sticks in the container. Ask the child to hold the cardboard steady with their helper hand.
  • Pick up one bean using a neat pincer grasp. Load it onto the tip of the craft stick.
  • Aim the loaded stick at the cardboard track between two tight bands.
  • Use a strong, controlled push to slide the bean under the taut pipe cleaner band.
  • Continue pushing the bean along the track until it reaches the end. Repeat until all tracks are filled with beans.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Beans, pipe cleaners, and small cardboard pieces are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Tension Net Drop

Tension Net Drop

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Twist two pipe cleaners tightly together to make 3 to 4 thick, sturdy “bands.”
  • Stretch the pipe cleaner bands across the container opening. Crisscross them to create a tight, resistant net.
  • Use masking tape to anchor the ends firmly to the container sides.
  • Place the buttons and craft sticks nearby. Ask your child to pick up a button using their pincer grasp.
  • Hold the container firmly steady with their helper hand. This provides proximal stability.
  • Use the craft stick to aim the button at the resistant pipe cleaner net.
  • Encourage a strong, controlled push to send the button popping through the network.
  • Repeat until all buttons are successfully dropped inside.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Buttons, pipe cleaners, and craft sticks are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

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.