FM.A.9 VISUALLY INSPECTS AN OBJECT HELD IN THE HAND

When a child first begins to grasp objects, he may not look at what he is holding. Looking at a held object requires the ability to focus on something quite close, plus enough motor control to raise an object and hold it fairly steady.

How to Asses

Materials: A small, light rattle.

Method: Observe your child when he is holding the rattle.

Score plus if your child raises his hand and looks at the object for 2 to 3 seconds.

How to Teach

It is important to use a well-balanced toy: some rattles are very top-heavy, and the child can end up banging himself in the face when he tries to look at them.

Support is important too. If your child has difficulty raising the rattle, try cradling him so that you give some support to the shoulders and upper arms.

Note that most children inspect their hands before they inspect other objects. The positions in which he most readily does this will guide you as to the positions to use when you encourage him to look at held objects.

This skill can readily be taught together with grasping practice (FM.B.6, FM.B.12 and so on). Once your child is holding the object, help him to hold it for a few moments in a position where he can see it. Where necessary, help him by supporting his hands. Gradually withdraw your support. If he lets his hands, with the toy, fall out of sight, give him the opportunity to raise them again himself, before stepping in to help him.

If your child wants to put the toy straight to his mouth, let him have a suck on it first (this is another way of ‘inspecting’ an object) and then help him to hold it where he can see it.

Remembering and Extending

Once your child is holding 2 objects (FM.B.13), encourage him to look from one object to the other.