Learn more about how to promote grasping skills for kids!
Grasp Patterns
There are two sides to every hand, a power side and a precision side. A power grasp uses all of the fingers and the thumb together to hold something using counter pressure. This takes strength. Some examples of using a power grasp include holding onto monkey bars, pounding with a toy hammer, or playing tug of war with a rope.
A precision grasp uses only three fingers that are known for control and coordinating small movements of the hand. These fingers are the thumb, first, and middle fingers…or, as we call them at The Inspired Treehouse, “Super Fingers!” Some examples of how a child uses a precision grasp include grasping a pencil, using scissors, holding a spoon, and buttoning buttons on a shirt. As children grow and become more independent they use this grasp all day long.
How to Promote Strong Grasping Skills
Talking to kids about their “Super Fingers” is a fun, interactive way for children to learn to use a precision grasp. We teach kids that these three fingers are the strongest fingers on the hand. Once they’re familiar with the term, whenever we call out “Super Fingers” during an activity, the children begin to automatically switch over to using their thumb, first, and middle fingers for the task rather than using a less efficient grasping patterns. We often have kids hold up their “Super Fingers” in the air before an activity to remind themselves of the super three.
Little hands need reinforcement to develop a strong precision grasp. There are many activities that can help strengthen the “Super Fingers.” Here are just a few to get you started….
Activities to Promote Grasping Skills
1 || Playing with a squirt bottle
2 || Milking a Cow – Has your little one ever gotten to milk a cow? Let her try with this imaginative activity that targets hand strength.
3 || Popping bubble wrap
4 || Playing with playdoh (rolling big/little balls, poking holes with fingers, pulling apart)
5 || Tearing paper for crafts
6 || Baby Bumblebee – A great workout for little hands, this fun song and movement activity will have your little bees buzzing all over the place!
7 || Play with clothespins or tweezers to pick up items
8 || Board games such as Operation
9 || Sparkly Sensory Starfish – Kids will put their Super Fingers to the test with this fun ocean-themed activity as they sprinkle decorations on to make a one-of-a-kind starfish!
10 || Stringing beads
11 || Putting pennies into a piggy bank
12 || Feed the Elephant – Part of our circus theme, this activity will not only encourage grasp and fine motor coordination, but lots of giggles too!
13 || Personalized Caterpillars – A great multi-tasker, this craft gets kids working on fine motor strength AND learning how to sequence the letters of their names!
7 Simple Toys for Promoting Efficient Grasp Patterns
2 || Tweezers
3 || Squeeze Balls
4 || Clothespins
5 || Pegs and Pegboards
6 || Theraputty
7 || Pop Beads
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We used many of these items to train our kiddos’ grasp as well. We also love to use tongs and pincers as well.
Love the concept of Super Fingers, what a great verbal cue to give children! Was interested in learning more about Super Fingers, but your link above to do so is not working.
Thanks for all the great tips! :)
Hi Jenn,
Thanks so much for bringing this to our attention! We’ve fixed this post (and we gave it a little makeover too with some additional resources and ideas for strengthening those Super Fingers! :) Let us know what you think!
Yay, thank you!!! :)
Thank you so much for this article! I teach Pre K in a Christian Learning Center and I have been looking for a easy way to teach my children how to hold their pencils. I LOVE your Super Fingers! I can’t wait to talk to the children about them. I know this will definitely help the ones who are having problems. I can’t begin to explain how this article is a life saver for me! Once again, thank you!
I need help working with a 12 month old with Down Syndrome in promoting purposeful release of objects and food. He can now sit up independently, but notice he often uses one hand to stabilize himself, I have tried working in a toddler chair but he holds onto the tray with one hand. The issue is that he is able to grasp an object such as a small ball or plastic egg, but unable to release it into a container. He can grab a towel off a toy, showing object permanence, and his parents reports he tips a sippy cup with handles with one hand. He shows hand and arm defensiveness, wanting to hold his arms close to his body, although he will reach for a toy slightly out of reach. He uses a raking grasp to bring food to his mouth but can’t open his hand to release food. I have suggested better food support in his high chair, but any other suggestions would be very helpful.