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.

Foam Corduroy Road Push

Foam Corduroy Road Push

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Cut the Foam Sheet into several small strips (about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long). Roll each strip tightly into a narrow tube and secure the seam with masking tape.
  • Use masking tape to secure these foam tubes vertically onto the piece of sturdy cardboard. Arrange them close together to look like a ‘corduroy road’.
  • Cut the pipe cleaners into short, stiff 3-inch segments. Place these ‘cords’ in the plastic container.
  • Challenge your child to hold the cardboard base firmly steady with their helper hand. This provides stability for the pushing hand.
  • Use a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger) to pick up one pipe cleaner cord.
  • Aim the cord at the top opening of a foam tube. Push the pipe cleaner straight down until it travels completely through the resistant foam tube. Repeat until all the tubes are filled!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Adults must handle the scissors for preparation. The short pipe cleaner pieces are small materials and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths.

Wet Sponge Kernel Rescue

Wet Sponge Kernel Rescue

Steps:

  • Pour water into the bowl. Drop the corn kernels onto the dry sponge. Soak the sponge fully in the water until it is heavy and saturated.
  • Use both hands to lift the sponge out of the bowl. Squeeze the sponge hard over the bowl, pressing out all the water and kernels. This is heavy work!
  • Once the sponge is damp (not dripping), place it flat on the table. The wet kernels should be sticking slightly to the surface.
  • Hold the sponge steady with your helper hand. Use the tongs to carefully pick up each wet corn kernel one by one.
  • Transfer the rescued kernels into the empty plastic container. Repeat the soaking and squeezing steps when the sponge gets too dry.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Dry corn kernels are small, hard objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure all materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Foil Sticker Pierce Track

Foil Sticker Pierce Track

Steps:

  • Secure a piece of cardboard firmly inside the bottom of the aluminum foil pan using masking tape. This adds stability.
  • Place 8 to 10 small stickers (like dot stickers) randomly onto the surface of the foil. Use your pincer grasp to peel them.
  • Hold the aluminum foil pan firmly steady with your non-dominant hand (the helper hand).
  • Pick up one craft stick. Hold the stick like a strong pencil in your dominant hand.
  • Aim the tip of the stick directly at a sticker target. Use a strong, controlled push to pierce the sticker and the foil completely.
  • Repeat this forceful piercing action until all the sticker targets have been smashed and pierced through.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Small stickers can be a choking hazard for children under five. Craft sticks are not sharp, but controlled pushing is necessary. Ensure the child pushes the stick away from their face and body.

Sticky Roller Texture Wall

Steps:

  • Tape a large piece of construction paper vertically onto a wall or sturdy door.
  • Use masking tape (sticky side OUT) to create a large shape or design on the paper.
  • Place the dry beans or corn kernels into the plastic container next to your child.
  • Encourage your child to pick up the beans one by one using a strong pincer grasp.
  • Firmly press the beans onto the exposed sticky tape until the design is completely covered.
  • Use the paper roll as a roller. Hold the roll tightly and press down hard onto the textured beans.
  • Roll the paper roll up and down, applying maximum force to press the items deeply into the sticky surface.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Dry beans and corn kernels are small, hard objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure all materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Heavy Punch Sequin Fill

Heavy Punch Sequin Fill

Steps:

  • Cut a small, sturdy piece of cardboard. This is your target canvas.
  • Use the hole puncher to squeeze and punch 6 to 8 holes across the cardboard. Squeezing hard builds strength!
  • Place the small sequins into the container. Put the cardboard target on a table.
  • Hold the cardboard firmly steady with your non-dominant hand.
  • Pick up the tweezers. Use the pincer grasp to pinch one tiny sequin.
  • Carefully carry and aim the sequin toward a punched hole. Gently drop the sequin precisely inside the opening.
  • Repeat this process until every punched hole has been successfully filled with colorful sequins.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Sequins and cardboard punch-outs are very small objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure all materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.