FM.B Grasping

In this sequence, we look at the child’s ability to grasp objects, from the reflexive grasp of the tiny infant to the sophisticated pincer grasp of the 2-year-old.

Grasping requires close co-ordination between hand and eye, and thus depends on and extends the looking skills presented in Sequence FM.A.

Grasping objects is an essential aspect of play; indeed, all the skills in this sequence can be regarded as play skills.

Below we list all the skills in this sequence.

Note that grasping skills are practised and extended in Sequence FM.E (Manipulative Skills), which begins at the l5-18-months level of development and extends to the 4-year-old level.