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 Fuzzy Button Link

The Fuzzy Button Link

Steps:

  • Select several colorful pipe cleaners and a handful of large buttons.
  • Show your child how to thread a pipe cleaner through a button hole.
  • Ask them to pull it halfway and twist the end to secure it.
  • Have them thread the other end through a hole in another button.
  • Continue connecting buttons with pipe cleaners to form a long link chain.
  • Challenge your child to see how many links they can add to the chain!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play as buttons and pipe cleaners can be a choking hazard.

The Cardboard Ribbon Slider

The Cardboard Ribbon Slider

Steps:

  • Help your child cut a rectangular piece of cardboard about the size of a book.
  • Adult step: Use scissors to poke three narrow slots across the middle of the cardboard.
  • Make sure the slots are just wide enough for your ribbon to pass through.
  • Thread a long piece of ribbon through the first slot from the back to the front.
  • Guide the ribbon back through the second slot, and then out through the third.
  • Tie a small knot at each end of the ribbon so it cannot be pulled all the way out.
  • Use masking tape to secure the cardboard to the table if it slides too much.
  • Have your child use one hand to hold the cardboard and the other to pull the ribbon.
  • Encourage them to pull the ribbon back and forth through the slots until they finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when using scissors or handling long pieces of ribbon.

The Sticky Straw Chimney

The Sticky Straw Chimney

Steps:

  • Tape the bottom of a paper roll to a stable table.
  • Wrap masking tape around the roll with the sticky side out.
  • Give your child a bunch of colorful straws to hold.
  • Have them press each straw vertically onto the sticky tape.
  • Ask them to build a full circle of straws around the roll.
  • Drop fluffy cotton balls through the top of your straw chimney.
  • See if you can catch the balls as they pop out!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they do not put straws or cotton balls in their mouth.

The Woven Stick Bridge

The Woven Stick Bridge

Steps:

  • Cut a long, narrow rectangle from a piece of sturdy cardboard.
  • Glue several craft sticks across the rectangle, leaving small gaps.
  • Wait for the glue to dry until the sticks are very firm.
  • Tie a piece of colorful yarn to the first craft stick.
  • Weave the yarn over the first stick and under the second one.
  • Continue the pattern until you reach the end of the bridge.
  • Use markers to draw a scene with water under the bridge.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use scissors or handle yarn.

The Cotton Cloud Rainbow Drop

The Cotton Cloud Rainbow Drop

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a large, simple rainbow shape on your piece of cardboard.
  • Squeeze a line of glue along the first arc of the rainbow.
  • Pick up cotton balls one by one and press them firmly into the glue.
  • Continue until the entire rainbow is covered in fluffy white clouds.
  • Mix a few drops of food coloring with water in separate small bowls.
  • Use the eyedropper to suck up the colored water.
  • Gently drop the color onto the cotton balls to make a rainbow.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when using food coloring to avoid stains. Ensure the child does not put the cotton balls or colored water in their mouth.