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.

Ribbon Slot Stuffing

Ribbon Slot Stuffing

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use the Scissors to cut three tight, narrow slots (about 1.5 inches long) into the Cardboard or the lid of the Container. Secure the Cardboard/lid tightly using Masking Tape.
  • Give the child long strips of Ribbon. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the Ribbon into small, stamp-sized pieces. Tearing wakes up the hand muscles!
  • Ask your child to hold the container steady with their helper hand (proximal stability) while it sits on the table.
  • Pick up one torn Ribbon piece. Crumple it tightly into a small ball using only their fingertips (working on pincer grasp and in-hand manipulation).
  • Aim the crumpled ribbon ball at a slot. Use a controlled, firm push with the index finger or thumb to send the ribbon piece completely inside the container. Repeat until the container is full!

Safety Tip:
Ribbon pieces are small objects. Constant and direct adult supervision is required throughout the activity, as they pose a choking hazard for children under five.

Kernel Mosaic Cup

Kernel Mosaic Cup

Steps:

  • Decorate the outside of the paper cup with markers. Keep the design simple, like stripes or dots.
  • Pour a small amount of liquid glue or paste onto a piece of construction paper to create a gluing palette.
  • Use your helper hand to hold the cup steady. Dip your marker-drawn cup directly into the glue palette, covering a small section with adhesive.
  • Pick up one dry corn kernel at a time using only your thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp).
  • Carefully place and press the kernel onto the glued section of the cup. Try to place the kernels close together like a mosaic.
  • Repeat steps 3 through 5 until the whole cup is covered in texture. Let your kernel mosaic dry completely!

Safety Tip:
Dry corn kernels are a small, hard choking hazard. Constant and direct adult supervision is mandatory for children under 5. Ensure all materials are collected immediately after play.

Strong Punch Lacing Board

Strong Punch Lacing Board

Steps:

  • Prep the cardboard by covering it with colored construction paper if desired. Use a marker to draw a simple shape or pattern on the board.
  • Hold the cardboard firmly with your helper hand. Challenge your child to squeeze the hole puncher hard to create holes around the drawn shape.
  • Cut a long piece of yarn. Tie one end of the yarn securely onto the first punched hole.
  • Thread the yarn through the holes, using both hands together to push and pull the string. Try to follow the drawn pattern.
  • When you reach the end, encourage your child to practice tying the two loose ends of the yarn into a simple knot. They must use precise pincer grips to manage the string.

Safety Tip:
Maintain constant adult supervision. Hole punchers can pinch fingers if not used properly. Small yarn pieces are a potential choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths.

Slot Stuff Hedgehog

Slot Stuff Hedgehog

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut 8 to 10 short, narrow slits across the surface of the paper roll. These are the spine holes.
  • Decorate the roll using markers to give your hedgehog a cute face and body.
  • Tear the construction paper into many long, thin strips. Tearing wakes up finger and hand muscles.
  • Pick up the paper roll with your helper hand to keep it steady on the table.
  • Stuff one end of a paper strip into a spine hole using your dominant hand fingers.
  • Use a craft stick to gently push the paper strip completely inside the narrow slot. This requires precise force.
  • Continue stuffing paper spines into all the slots until your hedgehog is fully covered in soft spikes!

Safety Tip:
Adults must perform the scissor cutting for the narrow slots. Supervise closely to ensure small pieces of torn paper are not put in the mouth.

Pocket Post Office

Pocket Post Office

Steps:

  • Roll the playdough into a thick, flat disc. Press it firmly into the bottom of the plastic container to create a stable base.
  • Stand 6 to 8 craft sticks up vertically by pushing them deep into the playdough base. Arrange the sticks close together to create narrow ‘pockets’ between them (these are the mail slots).
  • Put the pom-poms (the ‘mail’) into a small bowl and place them next to the container.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp) or a pair of tongs to pick up one piece of mail at a time.
  • Hold the container steady with your helper hand. Carefully aim the mail into one of the narrow pockets between the sticks.
  • Use a strong, controlled push to send the mail deep into the playdough pocket. Repeat this until all the pockets are full!

Safety Tip:
Pom-poms and craft sticks are small objects. Maintain constant adult supervision during this activity, as these materials pose a choking hazard for children under five.