The ability to hold an object in one hand and move it without assistance from the other hand.

Children start to develop these skills between 2-4 years old with a single object. The order of development of these skills are first finger to palm translation, palm to finger translation, rotation, and lastly shift. By the ages of 6-7, children are able to manipulate and stabilize more than one small object within their hand. This allows children to use these in-hand manipulation skills more purposefully and functionally to complete everyday tasks. 

A child with poor in-hand manipulation can be observed manipulating objects with both hands and/or stabilizing the object with a table or body. Children who have difficulty with in-hand manipulation may be unable to complete certain tasks, require additional time, or may appear clumsy when handling objects. Many daily tasks required these higher level hand skills. Examples include: using a fork and knife, adjusting grip on paper when cutting with scissors, positioning a grip when writing/drawing, manipulating clothing fasteners, and operating tools. 

Poor or delayed in-hand manipulation skills can result in difficulties with the following: 

The components of in-hand manipulation: 

 The ability to turn an object end over end. An example of this is flipping a pencil over in one hand to use the eraser instead of writing with the tip of the pencil.

Simple rotation is the ability to roll a small object between the thumb and finger tips. An example of simple rotation is using the fingertips and thumb to open a small jar. 

 Complex rotation is the ability to turn an object end over end. An example of this is flipping a pencil over in one hand to use the eraser instead of writing with the tip of the pencil.

simple or complex rotation is being performed while holding an object with the hypothenar aspect of the hand (ring and pinky finger). 

 The ability to move objects between the fingers. A couple examples of this are when you try to separate two pieces of paper that are stuck together, or when you move your fingers closer to the end of your pen/pencil to begin writing. 

the ability to move an objects in a linear manner with finger tips while holding an object with the hypothenar aspect of the hand (ring and pinky finger). 

 Translation can be broken into two separate skills: finger to palm translation and palm to finger translation. Kids use finger to palm translation when they pick up small objects like pebbles, marbles, or cheerios one at a time, moving them with the fingers of only one hand into their palm. They use palm to finger translation when they move those small objects from their palm back to their fingertips one at a time to place them on the floor or table.

 the ability to move an object from fingertips to the palm of the hand. Ex: picking up marbles with fingers and thumb and moving them into the palm. 

 the ability to move an object from the palm of the hand to the finger tips. Ex: moving coins from the palm of the hand to the finger tips to insert them into a piggy bank.  

 holding an object with the hypothenar aspect of the palm (ring and pinky finger) while moving objects from palm to fingertips or fingertips to palm.

Activities that promote in-hand manipulation skills

In-Hand Manipulation

With the unpredictable weather and virtual school instruction, it can be hard to find ways to keep your child moving and active! Obstacle courses provide a great way to allow children to work on a wide array of skills with one fun activity and just a few simple household items.

Obstacle Courses allow children to address multiple skills they may need to practice in one activity. By selectively choosing specific activities in your obstacle course, children can engage in activities that challenge them and build their own self-confidence no matter their age or abilities. Obstacle Courses build multiple skills that children will utilize throughout their daily routines including:

Tips and Tricks to Build an Obstacle Course at Home!

Work together with your child to brainstorm fun activities to include in your obstacle course. Some children will love to pick a theme (ex: volcanoes, sharks) and use their imagination throughout the entire course! Help your child identify activities that will provide an appropriate challenge and a sense of accomplishment. Based on your child’s age and abilities adjust the number of activities you may include in your obstacle course. Younger children or those who are working on sequencing and memory can benefit from 3-6 step obstacle courses, while older children and those whose strengths include planning and memory may be able to complete obstacle courses with 5-10 different activities.

So what activities can you include to address specific skills your child may need to work on? Below are some ideas for you to try and to spark your own creativity!

One of the great benefits of obstacle courses is that common household items can be used to foster challenges and fun for your child.

Ways to Make Your Obstacle Course More Challenging:

Ways to Make Your Obstacle Course Accommodating to Your Child’s Abilities:

Before engaging your child in the obstacle course you have created, review each step to ensure understanding and safety rules. This is especially important for children who have difficulty with planning, memory, and sequencing. Then, run through your obstacle course with your child! Have fun and enjoy watching your child work towards their goals while engaging in active play!

Physical Therapy

In-Hand Manipulation

Let’s Make an Obstacle Course!