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.

Card Link Twister

Card Link Twister

Steps:

  • Use the marker to number 8 index cards sequentially from 1 through 8. This creates your chain links.
  • Use the hole puncher to create two holes at the top edge of each numbered card link.
  • Hold Card #1 steady with your helper hand. Push one bolt through each of the two punched holes.
  • Use your working hand to twist a nut firmly onto the end of each bolt. Practice using quick finger movements.
  • Now, take Card #2. Thread the exposed bolts from Card #1 through the holes in Card #2.
  • Twist two new nuts onto the exposed bolts to link the two cards securely together.
  • Continue this process, linking the numbered cards in order until you have created a long, flexible, and colorful chain.

Safety Tip:
Nuts and bolts are very small pieces. Ensure all materials are kept away from the mouth and supervised closely during assembly to prevent choking hazards.

Sponge Edge Clip Match

Sponge Edge Clip Match

Steps:

  • Soak the sponge completely in water until it is heavy and dense. Wring it out slightly so it is damp, not dripping.
  • Place the damp sponge firmly inside the plastic container to keep it stable on the table.
  • Use markers to color the base of the clothespins with 3 to 4 bright colors (e.g., red, blue, green).
  • Draw small, matching colored dots around the thick perimeter of the damp sponge, spacing them out evenly.
  • Ask your child to hold the container steady with their non-dominant (helper) hand to stabilize the base.
  • Pick up a colored clothespin. Encourage them to squeeze it open using a strong finger pinch.
  • Carefully clip the pin onto the sponge edge, matching the colored pin to the colored dot target. Continue clipping until all the dots are covered.

Safety Tip:
Clothespins are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Constant and direct adult supervision is required throughout this activity. Ensure the child only handles the materials as intended.

Paper Crumple Pin Push

Paper Crumple Pin Push

Steps:

  • Tear the construction paper into small pieces. Encourage your child to crumple these pieces tightly into dense, hard balls using both hands.
  • Spread a thick layer of glue or use masking tape loops to secure the crumpled paper balls onto the cardboard base, covering the surface completely. Let it dry to create a resistant layer.
  • Place the finished board on a stable table. Hold the cardboard base firmly steady with your helper hand. This is important for proximal stability.
  • Pick up one Q-Tip using a neat pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger). Aim the Q-Tip at the resistant paper layer.
  • Challenge your child to use a strong, controlled push to pierce the Q-Tip straight through the dense paper. Feel the heavy work input!
  • Repeat this pushing action until the entire board is filled with Q-Tip ‘pins.’
  • Use a precise pincer grasp to place a pom-pom onto the top of each Q-Tip stem for decoration.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Q-Tips and small pom-poms are choking hazards for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Resistant Yarn Unravel

Resistant Yarn Unravel

Steps:

  • Press a large lump of firm playdough onto the heavy block to create a dense base.
  • Wet a long piece of yarn slightly to increase the friction and resistance.
  • Tightly wrap the damp yarn all the way around the playdough-covered block. Leave a small yarn tail sticking out.
  • Place the wrapped block on a stable table. Hold the base firmly steady with your helper hand.
  • Use your working hand to pinch the yarn tail with a strong pincer grasp.
  • Pull the yarn steadily and forcefully to unravel it from the resistant playdough anchor.
  • Repeat the wrapping and unwrapping process to continue the heavy work challenge.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Yarn and playdough are small objects. They pose a choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure the child maintains a stable seated position while pulling.

Balloon Barrier Stick Push

Balloon Barrier Stick Push

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Cut a sturdy rectangle from the cardboard. Carefully cut one small hole (just big enough for a pom-pom) in the center.
  • Adult Prep: Cut the knot end off the balloon. Stretch the remaining balloon piece tightly over the hole, creating a taut, resistant membrane. Secure the balloon edges underneath the cardboard using masking tape.
  • Place the pom-poms and craft sticks in the container. Ask your child to pick up one pom-pom using a neat pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Load the pom-pom onto the tip of the craft stick by pushing the stick gently through the center of the pom-pom.
  • The child holds the cardboard base firmly steady with their helper hand. This provides stability for the working hand.
  • Aim the pom-pom toward the center of the taut balloon barrier. Use a strong, controlled push to drive the stick and pom-pom through the resistant membrane.
  • Repeat this push-and-poke action until all the prepared pom-poms have successfully popped through the barrier.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pom-poms are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Adults must handle the scissors for preparation.