The most functional pencil grip is a ‘tripod grasp’

Children adapt unusual grasps as a result of weakness in the hand or upper body, in attempt to gain increased stability.
These less dynamic grasps can result in hand fatigue and pain.
Some tips on how to help improve a Pencil Grasp
  • Thicker pencils assist children with poor finger strength
  • Pencil grips
  • Visual cues
  • Elastic band to prevent fingers slipping
  • Pencils with soft leads slide easier
  • Short crayons / chalk promote correct grasp
  • Consider the type of pen
  • Grasp exercises to practice correct grasp
  • Playing with close pegs or small items e.g. running small toy cars through shaving foam, small Lego, posting 1c coins…
Handwriting can become a chore to children when they find it difficult and can result in them being reluctant to complete assignments not because they are not cognitively able but they are struggling with the functional aspect of handwriting.  Working on the fine motor skills can help to improve this.