Libby Public School Series; Pencil Grip

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How do we hold our pencil, and why is it important to develop a functional and effective pencil grip. Although handwriting appears to be used less and less as our technology use has increased. Early education still largely depends on handwriting for its learning, and writing is still needed at times to take notes, write down a name or phone number. The development of an effective pencil grip is not any different than other areas of development, there is a set sequence based on the child's readiness. Handwriting a fine motor skill that also requires a level of understanding of language, sequencing and eye hand coordination. Fine motor skills develop from proximal to distal. This means the movements initially are large and initiated from the shoulder. As the grip gets more precise smaller muscles in the wrist and hand guide the grip and handwriting. 

Pencil Grip Development

  1. Fist Grasp -  1-1.5 yrs old; The toddler grabs the pencil or crayon with a fist and makes marks initiating the movement from the shoulder.
  2. Palm Grasp - 2-3 yrs old; The Child holds the pencil with their fingers with the palm facing down towards the paper, there is less shoulder movement and some emerging wrist movement
  3. Static Tripod or Quadruped Grasp - 3-5 yrs old; The pencil is held with the three or four fingers (Thumb, index, middle and ring), the fingers grab around the pencil as a whole, the outside of the hand rests on the paper, there can still be shoulder movement but definitely more wrist movement
  4. Dynamic Tripod Grasp 4-6 yrs old; Writing is initiated from the wrist and hand musculature , the fingers can move separate from one another.
Stages of hand writing grip development | Illustrations ...

Many children struggle with handwriting. An immature or ineffective pencil grip can lead to difficulties with letter formation, legibility, fluency (the speed with which one writes), fatigue and frustration. At younger ages the lack of a tripod pencil grip is generally due the child not being ready; their fine motor skills may not have developed, there could be challenges with core strength or shoulder/arm/ muscle control and or weakness.  Developing the pre- requisite for an effective pencil grip and providing activities that promote strength and dexterity is generally enough for the child to move through the stages to develop a dynamic tripod pencil grip.  Older children (2nd grade and up) may have developed  an alternative grip which has become a habit, which are very difficult to change. An assessment may be needed to determine if the grip should be changed because it is affecting legibility and speed, or it may be functional and no action needs to be taken. 

The following are some ideas to develop the readiness skills for an effective pencil grip:
  • Play-doh
  • Drawing and coloring: breaking crayons in half may stimulate a tripod type grip, using pencils can promote small hand movements
  • Lego's
  • Finger paint
  • Side walk chalk
  • Yoga, especially those exercises that require to be on all 4's ie downward dog, cow cat
  • Ball activities e.g. bowling with cups or bottles, catch
  • Look at a book while propping head up on elbows and hands
  • Fidget toys e.g. fidget spinner, stress balls, move a pencil around between your fingers
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Disclosure:
The information provided in this blog is informational The content may be used to augment current therapy plans, however is in no way a substitute for active intervention and or consultation from a Physical or Occupational Therapist.

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