Watch as your baby or toddler further develops their pincer grasp in this simple tape peel activity. Mastering the pincer grasp is required for many later skills like holding a pencil to write and/or being able to independently dress and put on shoes.  This fine motor activity is not only quick and easy to set up but packed with hands-on learning while developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration, problem-solving and perseverance. 

What you will need: 

Process: 

Apply strips of tape to the chosen surface. Experiment with some short lengths mixed in with some longer strips of tape. You can lay it in straight lines, overlap the tape or even make a picture! Next, lift up the tape at one end so that it is easier for your child to begin peeling the tape. Adult supervision is required during this activity 

Engaging with your child: 

Invite your baby to peel off the tape by demonstrating how to pull at the tape. “Let’s work on peeling the tape off the floor, will you help me? We have to use our fingers and peel it off.” Encourage your child as they work at peeling off the tape, “Keep pulling. You almost got the whole strip!” Talk about their actions and narrate the experience, “You using one hand to pull it.” or, “You are going to try peeling the tape while standing up.” or, “Looks like that piece is pretty long. Let’s see how we are going to get it all off the floor!”