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 Clothespin Cliff Climber

The Clothespin Cliff Climber

Steps:

  • Place the shoe box on its side on a flat table.
  • Use masking tape to stick five index cards vertically along the side of the box.
  • Make sure the cards are spaced out like steps on a ladder.
  • Use markers to draw a small start flag on the bottom card and a finish flag on the top card.
  • Have your child use a clothespin to clip onto the bottom index card.
  • Challenge them to unclip and move the clothespin up to the next card without the box sliding.
  • Continue until the climber reaches the top flag!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity to ensure they use the clothespins safely on the cards.

The Hanger Bead Elevator

The Hanger Bead Elevator

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut three pieces of yarn, each about twelve inches long.
  • Tie the top of each piece of yarn to the bottom bar of the hanger.
  • Slide one large bead onto the bottom of each piece of yarn.
  • Tie a big knot at the bottom of the yarn so the beads stay on.
  • Have your child use a clothespin to pinch the bead and the yarn together.
  • Challenge them to slide the clothespin and bead all the way up to the top!
  • Ask them to move the bead back down slowly without letting it drop.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity as small beads are a choking hazard.

The Index Card Pincer-Flip

The Index Card Pincer-Flip

Steps:

  • Use your markers to draw a large dot on one side of ten index cards.
  • Place the cards on a table with the dots facing down.
  • Have your child use their thumb and index finger to flip one card at a time.
  • They should quickly name the color and place the card into the cup.
  • Challenge them to flip all the cards using only their non-dominant hand.
  • Try to beat a personal speed record to keep it exciting!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Ensure the child remains seated at the table to focus on the fine motor movements.

Vertical Post-It Peek-a-Boo

Vertical Post-It Peek-a-Boo

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to secure the cardboard vertically to a wall.
  • Make sure it is at your child’s chest or eye level.
  • Draw five large, bright shapes on the cardboard using your markers.
  • Write a different number inside each shape from 1 to 5.
  • Cover each shape completely with a single Post-It note.
  • Ask your child to reach up and peel a note to find a shape.
  • Challenge them to find a specific number you call out!
  • Have them stick the peeled notes onto their clothes for extra fun.

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard. This activity uses Post-Its and masking tape. Small pieces of paper or tape can be a choking hazard. Always supervise your child closely. Ensure they do not put these materials in their mouth.

The Beaded Rainbow Arch

The Beaded Rainbow Arch

Steps:

  • Roll two large balls of playdough into thick cloud shapes.
  • Place the clouds about six inches apart on a flat table.
  • Select a pipe cleaner and a handful of matching beads.
  • Have your child slide the beads onto the pipe cleaner one by one.
  • Push one end of the wire deep into the first playdough cloud.
  • Bend the wire into a curve and push the other end into the second cloud.
  • Repeat this for every color of the rainbow!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Beads and pipe cleaners are small and can be a choking hazard.