Clothespins

Clothespins
[[Practical Life]] - [[Practical Life#Small Muscle Development|Small Muscle Development]]
Level	Pre-Primary Primary
Age	3 - 4
Prerequisites	{{{Preqs}}}
Materials	tray several clothespins container for clothespins

This activity teaches the child how to use clothespins. It also helps them to develop their pincer grasp and helps with small muscle devevlopment.

Presentation

• Invite the child to the shelf. Name the lesson.
• Carry the tray to the table

[[Image:{{{Clothespins 1.jpg}}}|300 px|right]]

• Remind the child of the grasping motion used in Grasping Transfer by making the movement in the air a couple of times.

[[Image:{{{Clothespins 2.jpg}}}|300 px|right]]

• Pick up a clothespin in your dominant hand with a pincer grasp. Show how it opens and shuts by pinching it open in the air a couple of times.
• Squeeze the clothespin so that it is held open. Line it up over the edge of the bowl, lower it into place. Relax grip so that the clothespin pinches on the edge of the bowl. Let go with your hand.

[[Image:{{{Clothespins 3.jpg}}}|300 px|right]]

• Repeat with remaining clothespins.

[[Image:{{{Clothespins 4.jpg}}}|300 px|right]]

Variations and Extensions

• You could use different colored clothespins and have the child clip them on matching colored taped spots on the edge of the bowl.
• You could use different kinds of clothespins or chip clips.