Clothespins are a pretty popular material in arts and crafts projects nowadays, but what about using them to help your child develop fine motor control and hand strength?!

Here’s a perfect clothespins activity to try at home. You most likely have all the materials at hand.

Grab a basket, wicker or otherwise, and a handful of clothespins. You can use regular old clothespins with the metal spring, or for very young children, the old fashioned ones that are just static. Of course, the regular ones that you have to pinch to open and close help build hand muscles!

Next, place the clothespins in the center of the basket. Demonstrate the task for your child.

Take one clothespin, open and close it slowly to demonstrate how it works.
Attach the clothespin to the edge of the basket. Take another and do the same thing.
Let your child try! They will probably be eager to jump in after the first example.

Remember to move slowly during the process, making a point of interest out of watching the pin open and close.

This is exciting stuff, the fact that your hand and muscle control can put you in charge of your environment in this way! Your child will love your enthusiasm and be happy to try out the work for him or herself.

Recommended for you: