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.

Tower Sticker Challenge

Tower Sticker Challenge

Steps:

  • Prepare the target: Stack 3 to 4 empty Boxes on top of each other to create a stable, eye-level tower. Cover the tower sides with Paper and secure the paper firmly using Masking Tape.
  • Pre-peel the Stickers: Carefully peel most of the backing off 10-15 large Stickers (like dot stickers or large shapes) and place them securely onto the edge of the table or highchair tray, leaving a small corner for the child to grasp.
  • Challenge the Pincer Grasp: Encourage your child to use only their thumb and pointer finger to peel the rest of the Sticker off the table edge.
  • Attach the Stickers: Guide the child to walk over to the tower. Encourage them to use their helper hand to stabilize the Box while the dominant hand presses the sticker firmly onto the paper surface. Try to cover all sides of the tower!

Safety Tip:
Due to the risk of choking, constant, close adult supervision is required during this activity, as small stickers and paper pieces can easily be placed in the mouth by toddlers.

Sticky Shape Press

Sticky Shape Press

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a large, simple shape (like a heart or square) onto the construction paper.
  • Tear a long strip of masking tape. Encourage your child to tear the tape into many small, postage stamp-sized pieces.
  • Challenge the child to use a precise pincer grasp to fill the drawn shape completely with the small tape pieces.
  • Pick up the craft stick. Show the child how to hold it like a pencil, keeping the wrist slightly bent backward (extended).
  • Use the craft stick to rub and press down firmly over every piece of tape. Applying strong pressure provides excellent heavy work for their hands.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the child understands the materials are only for crafting and not for placing in the mouth.

Resistance Band Rescue

Resistance Band Rescue

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Take 2 or 3 pipe cleaners and twist them tightly together to create a thick, stiff band.
  • Tightly wrap 4 to 5 of these thick pipe cleaner bands around the lid or body of the plastic container. Make sure they are secure and difficult to remove.
  • Place the container on a stable table. Challenge your child to hold the container firmly with their non-dominant (helper) hand to keep it steady.
  • Ask the child to use their dominant hand to grasp a band using only their thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp).
  • Encourage them to use controlled effort to pull the tight band off the container. Try to keep the container hand perfectly still.
  • Count how many bands are rescued, and then wrap them back on to play again.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners are small and pose a choking hazard for children under five. Ensure that the pipe cleaners are fully unwrapped and collected immediately after the activity.

Clip Straightener Stack

Clip Straightener Stack

Steps:

  • Secure the paper plate on the table. Use your child’s helper hand to stabilize it. Roll the playdough into a long log shape and press it firmly onto the plate to create a resistant base.
  • Pick up one paper clip. Encourage your child to use both hands together to pull and bend the paper clip until it is completely straight. This requires concentration and effort.
  • Using a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger), push the sharp end of the straightened wire deep into the resistant playdough roll. Continue this process until the plate is full of straight wire posts.

Safety Tip:
Paper clips can become sharp once straightened. Adults must supervise closely to ensure the wires are only used in the playdough and not near the face. Monitor for choking if the child mouths small pieces of playdough.

Tear Tape Art

Tear Tape Art

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw a simple picture or shape on the construction paper. Keep the lines wide and easy to fill.
  • Give the child long strips of masking tape. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the tape into tiny, postage stamp-sized pieces. Drop the torn pieces into the plastic container.
  • Challenge the child to use a precise pincer grasp to pick up the small tape pieces. Press them firmly onto the marker lines, filling in the design like a mosaic.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children closely during this activity. Ensure that torn pieces of masking tape are not placed in the mouth or near the face.