FM.B.6 HOLDS A RATTLE WHEN PLACED IN THE HAND

It is a fine moment when a child holds onto a toy for the first time. It begins a new stage in his exploration of his world.

How to Assess

Materials: A light rattle with a pencil-size stem.

Method: Place the rattle in the child’s hand. Give 3 tries.

Score plus if your child holds the rattle for 5 seconds before releasing in 1 of 3 tries.

How to Teach

Choose rattles or other objects that are light and well balanced. Some rattles are very top-heavy.

Help your child to maintain his grasp by stroking his fingers gently around the rattle. Make your stroking more infrequent as his grasp grows stronger.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

Place objects near your child’s hands where he can feel them, especially when he is on his tummy. Someone who enjoys sewing might make your child a ‘texture rug’. Simply sew on patches of different-textured fabrics (cord, velvet, hessian, fake fur, towelling, etc.) and firmly attach some large buttons, beads, old keys and other gadgets around the edges.

Make a habit of helping him to feel and hold anything suitable that comes your way, Keep offering him your fingers, too.

Remembering and Extending

As well as continuing through this sequence, work at strengthening your child’s grasp by gently pulling your hand away as he holds your finger. Look for resistance as you pull toys away, too.