Snake Swallow

  • Develops the ability to stretch the hand wide open
  • Strengthens the thumb and finger extensor muscles
  • Primes finger muscles before handwriting and fine motor tasks
  • Improves fine motor performance
HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • A beneficial transition activity to use before handwriting and fine motor tasks

Instructions

  1. Stick your four fingers together and fold them forward to touch your thumb
  2. Straighten your fingers and thumb (to make a snake’s mouth)
  3. Open and close your ‘snake mouth’ (stretching it open like a snake swallowing a large meal)
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Watch Points

  • Opening the hand wide like a snake swallowing a large meal
  • Fingers all straight and kept together
  • Thumb and fingers moving apart and back together in sync
  • Start by opening your snake mouth a little. Open it wider as your hands grow stronger.