In-Hand Manipulation

 
 
 

What is in-hand manipulation?
When should we see in-hand manipulation develop?

In-hand manipulation is the ability to move and position objects within the hand without using the other hand.  It is a complex fine motor skill comprised of translating, shifting and rotating.  

Translation is the movement of objects between the palm and fingertips. Like when you move a coin from your palm to the fingertip to place it in a bubble gum machine.

Shifting is observed when you inch your fingers down the length of a writing tool.

Rotation can be seen when you turn an object around using only your fingers, such as flipping a paintbrush around so the bristles are down.  

All of these components are needed to get the object oriented so it's just right for using, viewing or grasping.

Why is in-hand manipulation important?

Many daily activities require this high level hand skill: Writing and drawing, moving paper to cut with scissors, positioning a fork and knife. Dressing also allows several opportunities for in-hand manipulation: positioning buttons, getting a zipper just right, fastening snaps and controlling laces for tying. Even working with tools requires this skill: handling nuts and bolts, positioning a nail in one hand while holding the hammer in the other, and turning a screwdriver.

Children who have difficulty with in-hand manipulation may need to use both hands for activities that would typically require only one.  Or they may need to unnecessarily stabilize an object against their body or an external support to get the job done.  They may appear clumsy when handling objects or be slow to complete projects.  

 

How can I help with in-hand manipulation DEVELOPMENT at home?

  • Place coins in a Piggy Bank starting with several coins in the palm.

  • String beads or peg board games - holding 2 or 3 beads/pegs within the palm

  • Flip a coin from head to tail within the fingers of one hand

  • Cut with scissors and practice adjusting the grip on the paper with the helping hand

  • Practice buttoning, zipping and snapping snaps.

  • Hold a small cup filled with water.  Practice turning it with the fingertips without spilling

  • Play with construction toys such as Duplos, Legos and K'nex

  • Pop beads: large size for preschool, small (play jewelry type) for older children

  • Connect linking chains

  • Place clothespins around an index card or paper plate: encourage using only one hand to position/reposition the card or plate

Pencil Games

  • Hold the pencil in the fingertips, ready for writing, then "walk" the fingers to the eraser end of the pencil, then back to the tip

  • Turn the pencil between the thumb and fingertips: try turning it like a windmill in one direction, then the other

  • Practice flipping the pencil from eraser end to tip end

  • Use a hand held pencil sharpener to sharpen your pencils