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 Secret Ribbon Loop Tunnel

The Secret Ribbon Loop Tunnel

Steps:

  • Adult: Use scissors to cut a circular hole on each side of the shoe box.
  • Thread a long ribbon through both holes and tie the ends together to make a loop.
  • Ask your child to use their pincer grasp to place stickers on the ribbon.
  • Have your child hold the box steady with one hand to build strength.
  • Encourage them to pull the ribbon through the box using their other hand.
  • Challenge them to move the loop until the stickers pop out the other side!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when playing with long ribbons to prevent entanglement. Stickers are a potential choking hazard for young children.

The Beaded Cup Wind Chime

The Beaded Cup Wind Chime

Steps:

  • Use your markers and stickers to decorate the outside of your paper cup with bright colors.
  • Help your child hold the cup steady while they use the hole puncher to make four holes around the rim.
  • Cut four pieces of string, each about six inches long, using your scissors.
  • Show your child how to thread one string through a hole and tie a simple knot to secure it.
  • Ask your child to pick up a bead and slide it onto one of the hanging strings.
  • Continue adding beads until the strings are full, then tie a knot at the bottom of each one.

Safety Tip:
Beads are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise your child closely during this activity and keep small parts away from younger siblings.

Cosmic Antenna Balance

Cosmic Antenna Balance

Steps:

  • Press a medium ball of playdough onto the center of a sturdy cardboard sheet to create the base.
  • Push three Q-Tips into the playdough at an angle to create a tripod stand.
  • Place a baking cup upside down on top of the three Q-Tip ends.
  • Gently rest a fourth Q-Tip across the flat bottom of the upside-down baking cup.
  • Carefully slide one paper clip onto each end of the horizontal Q-Tip to act as satellite dishes.
  • Challenge your child to add more paper clips without tipping the whole antenna over!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the structure is built on a flat, stable surface. Keep small parts away from younger siblings.

The Tummy Time Sun Rays

The Tummy Time Sun Rays

Steps:

  • Draw a large sun with long rays on construction paper using your markers.
  • Use masking tape to secure the paper firmly to the floor so it does not move.
  • Squeeze small dots of glue along the lines of the sun’s rays.
  • Ask your child to lie on their stomach on the floor, facing the paper.
  • Place a paper plate with a small pile of beans right in front of them.
  • Encourage your child to lift their chest and head up high while they reach for the beans.
  • Have them use their thumb and pointer finger to pick up one bean at a time.
  • Challenge them to press the beans into the glue dots to decorate the sun.
  • Encourage them to switch hands to help both sides of their body get stronger!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard: Beans are small objects that can be a safety risk. Always supervise your child during play and ensure all beans are collected afterward.

The Beaded Plate Hair Stylist

The Beaded Plate Hair Stylist

Steps:

  • Use your markers to draw a silly face on the paper plate.
  • Squeeze the hole puncher to make holes around the top of the plate.
  • Cut pieces of yarn and tie one through each hole for hair.
  • Give your child a bowl of beads to hold.
  • Ask them to slide the beads onto the yarn strands.
  • Tie a small knot at the end of each piece of yarn.

Safety Tip:
Beads are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise your child during this activity and keep all small materials out of reach of younger siblings.