Developing Hand Strength Does Not Require Special Equipment
Some of the best activities to develop hand strength use everyday items and feel like play instead of “work.” The key is choosing tasks that strengthen the thumb, index, and middle fingers while the rest of the hand stays stable. One easy, effective activity uses clothespins with a spring opening and closing. You may have clothespins in your house or you can get them in a big box store or discount store. Have kids clip clothespins onto containers, paper plates, or even their clothing. Set a timer and see who gets the most clothespins on their clothes. Opening clothespins with fingertips, not the palm of your hand, builds the same muscles used for a good pencil grasp. See pictures below for good and bad grasp. To improve literacy, write letters on the clothespin so that it looks right side up when the clothespin is held upwards, see picture. Have kids spell words by clipping the correct letters onto a plate, flat plastic ring or ruler. Hand strength is one of those foundational skills that quietly drives almost every aspect of handwriting and is needed to button, open containers and so many other activities we do every day. When it is there, activities are done smoothly and with control; when it’s not, everything gets harder, leading to frustration.
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