Hand Strengthening

In preparation for writing, young children should spend more time using fine-motor manipulatives than using writing utensils. These activities develop the muscles that are needed before a child is ready for refined activities, such as writing. Children should be encouraged to develop their hands through a variety of activities in a variety of positions before they are expected to draw or write using a mature pencil grasp.

Watch carefully how your child is performing these tasks. A child with weaker hands will always find a way to use a less-skilled but stronger "key grasp"

Grip Strengthening Activities

snowball fight:

place hand in center of a sheet of paper
crumple into ball without lifting hand
as this becomes easier, increase thickness of paper

water play:

allow sponge to absorb water then squeeze water out
wring out wet washcloth both vertically and horizontally
fill plastic bottle (e.g. dishsoap) with water and squeeze it out with short puffs

Pinch Strengthening Activities

paper ripping:

rip strips of paper, beginning with a single thickness and gradually increasing the number of sheets playdough:
roll into a sausage-shape
pinch using thumb and index finger, then thumb and middle finger (working through all the fingers)

clothesline:

open and close clothespins with thumb and index finger, then thumb and middle finger

baggies:

begin by sliding ‘slide-loc’ style baggies open/closed
progress to pinching the grooved ridges of ‘zip-loc’ style baggies open/closed

peg puzzles:

pinch small ‘handles’ to position pieces into their places

Lite-Brite and other pegboards:

pinch small pieces and insert them into the slots to create designs

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The content on this site was reviewed by KidsInclusive staff and is consistent with evidence-informed practice at the time of publishing.

These links and content do not replace the advice of doctors and therapists. Always consult with your therapist if you have questions or concerns.

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