FM.B.23 USES THE THUMB AND FINGER TO PICKUP SMALL OBJECTS

Until now, your child has been using a raking action to pick up small objects – grasping the object against the palm of his hand. Now he can learn that there is a more accurate and efficient way to pick things up. This is not the precise pincer grasp of the adult, in which the thumb and the tip of the index finger are used and the other fingers are curled out of the way. First he must learn to use all his fingers together as a group, holding objects either between his thumb and his grouped finger tips or between his thumb and the ‘flat’ of his index finger.

How to Assess

Materials: A raisin, or similar-sized object.

Method: Place the object on the table to within easy grasp. Draw his attention to it and direct him to ‘take’.

Score plus if your child picks up the object with thumb and fingers in opposition – not with the palm of his hand.

How to Teach

Use any small objects that your child can already pick up using his raking action.

As your child reaches towards the object, gently intercept his forearm so that his hand is above the object but his palm is not touching it. Tilt his wrist slightly so that his thumb and index finger are closest to the table-top. Direct him to take the object. Gradually offer less help as he gets the idea.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

Your child may continue to want to use the other method for some time; he may need lots of practice to show him that this way is better. Mealtimes provide ideal opportunities for teaching, if your child is eating finger foods.

Remembering and Extending

As for FM.B.18.