Touching the thumb to the tips of the other fingers. This movement creates a rounded hand shape necessary for grasping a ball, holding a pencil, or managing zippers.
Squeezing clothespins, picking up coins, finger-to-thumb tapping songs, and rolling small balls of playdough all give the thumb practice moving toward the fingertips.




Added May 23 · Ages 3+The Pencil Top Target SpinThumb OppositionFine Motor ControlVisual MotorYou'll need: Butcher Paper · Cardboard · Markers · Masking Tape · Pencil · Scissors
Added Feb 27 · Ages 3 to 5Sticky Finger Bead RescueThumb OppositionFinger IsolationPincer ControlYou'll need: Beads · Masking Tape · Paper Cup
Added Jan 15 · Ages 3 to 5Ribbon Resistance UnwindThumb OppositionBilateral Hand UseFinger StrengthYou'll need: Craft Sticks · Masking Tape · Plastic Container · Ribbon · Scissors
Added Jan 10 · Ages 3 to 5Tight Coil Stick ArtThumb OppositionIntrinsic Muscle DevelopmentPincer ControlYou'll need: Craft Sticks · Pipe Cleaners · Plastic Container · Stickers
Added Aug 24 · Ages 3 to 5Color Drop TowersThumb OppositionDistal Finger ControlEye-Hand CoordinationFine Motor Control+3 moreYou'll need: Eyedropper · Food Coloring · Golf Ball Tees · Paper Cup · Playdough · Water
Added Aug 22 · Ages 3 to 5Carousel Clip SpinThumb OppositionBilateral Hand UseDistal Finger ControlEye-Hand Coordination+3 moreYou'll need: Cardboard · Clothespins · Craft Sticks · Markers · Paper Plate · Pencil
Added Jul 9 · Ages 3 to 5Thumb Opposition with Finger PaintThumb OppositionFinger StrengthHand Arches/SeparationSensory ProcessingYou'll need: Construction Paper · Finger Paint · Paper Plate
Added Jun 29 · Ages 3+PickUp Straws GameThumb OppositionHand Arches/SeparationPincer GraspYou'll need: Pen · Pipe Cleaners · Straws · Toothpicks
Added Feb 27 · Ages 3 to 5Sorting ButtonsThumb OppositionHand Arches/SeparationHand DexterityIntrinsic Muscle Development+2 moreYou'll need: Buttons · Container
Added Feb 15 · Ages 3+Mixed ClothespinsThumb OppositionBilateral Hand UseDistal Finger ControlFinger Strength+3 moreYou'll need: Cardboard · Clothespins · Crayons · MarkersWhile these activities are great for home practice, nothing replaces the guidance of a licensed therapist. If you are in Irvine, CA or the Orange County area and have concerns about your child's Thumb Opposition, we invite you to connect with us.
Contact Tumble N' Dots Therapy →