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.

Band Launcher Target

Band Launcher Target

Steps:

  • Prep the launcher by taping one end of a craft stick firmly to the edge of a flat piece of cardboard. The stick must be able to spring back up.
  • Place the container (the target) a short distance away from the cardboard launch pad.
  • Encourage your child to use a precise pincer grasp to place a pom-pom onto the free end of the craft stick.
  • Use one hand to stabilize the cardboard while the other hand presses down on the craft stick tip using controlled force.
  • Quickly release the stick to launch the pom-pom toward the target container. Count the successful hits!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise to prevent small pom-poms from being placed in the mouth. Ensure the launch area is clear before shooting to avoid hitting anyone.

Precision Button Drop

Precision Button Drop

Steps:

  • Fold a piece of construction paper in half (hotdog style) to create a stand-up ‘Postbox’. Glue the edges shut.
  • Use scissors to cut a short, narrow slit (about 1.5 inches long) in the middle of the ‘Postbox’.
  • Place a pile of assorted buttons on the table next to the postbox.
  • Use a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to pick up one button.
  • Hold the paper box steady with your helper hand. Push the button into the narrow slot.
  • Try to fill the entire ‘Postbox’ with buttons!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the buttons are large enough not to be inhaled or swallowed. Always closely supervise the child, especially when using small manipulative objects and sharp tools like scissors.

Pom-pom Poking Garden

Pom-pom Poking Garden

Steps:

  • Set up the ‘garden bed’ by pressing a large chunk of playdough firmly into the bottom or lid of the plastic container, creating a flat, stable surface (the ‘soil’).
  • Give the child a handful of toothpicks. Encourage them to hold the toothpick using their three working fingers (thumb, index, and middle finger) just like they hold a pencil, and poke several deep ‘starter holes’ into the playdough.
  • Present the pom-poms (the ‘flowers’). Challenge the child to pick up one pom-pom at a time using only their thumb and index finger (a strong pincer grasp).
  • The child then carefully places the pom-pom onto the top of an upright toothpick, creating a colorful and pointy ‘garden.’ Continue until the garden is full!
  • When finished, encourage the child to carefully remove the pom-poms and toothpicks, working on the opposite motion (pulling up) to vary the resistance.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise closely due to the sharp ends of the toothpicks. Ensure the child remains seated while working to maintain focus and stability, discouraging standing or carrying the toothpicks while walking.

Tissue Tear Treasures

Tissue Tear Treasures

Steps:

  • Help your child draw a large, simple shape (like a star, a big letter, or a cloud) onto the construction paper. This will be the canvas for the ‘treasure’ art.
  • Present the tissue paper. Encourage your child to use both hands to tear the tissue paper into small strips or pieces. Focus on using the thumb and index finger to initiate the tear.
  • Show the child how to crumple those small pieces into tiny, tight balls (treasures!). This step heavily promotes strong intrinsic muscles and a precise pincer grasp.
  • Apply glue along the lines of the drawn shape. Encourage the child to pick up the crumpled tissue balls and press them onto the glue, filling in the shape until the ‘treasure’ collage is complete.

Safety Tip:
Supervise closely during this activity. Ensure the child uses glue appropriately (dot, not a large glob). Because this activity involves very small pieces of paper, teach the child to keep them on the table, not near the mouth.

Sticky Straw Scoop

Sticky Straw Scoop

Steps:

  • Prepare the ‘scoop’ by taking a straw and securing a small loop of masking tape (sticky side facing out) onto one end.
  • Place a pile of pom-poms on the table and the empty Container next to the Construction Paper target.
  • Show the child how to hold the straw using their thumb and index finger (a strong pincer grasp), just like holding a miniature pencil.
  • Challenge the child to carefully touch the sticky straw tip to a pom-pom, lifting it when it sticks firmly.
  • The child then transfers the sticky pom-pom over the container and uses their non-dominant hand or fingertips to peel it off the straw and drop it in.
  • Continue this process until all the pom-poms are successfully moved from the starting pile into the container.

Safety Tip:
Always provide close adult supervision during this activity. Ensure the child understands that the small pom-poms and tape are not to be put in the mouth.