Pencil Grasp

An efficient pencil grasp facilitates legibility: letter formation, speed and endurance. An efficient pencil grasp is one in which the writing tool is controlled only through finger movements. This occurs when the pinkie side of the hand supports the whole hand against the writing surface, allowing the other fingers to hold and move the writing object. With time, every student will develop a grasp that works for them.

Students use unusual and often inefficient grasp patterns for a variety of reasons: muscle weakness, joint laxity, poor sensory feedback, or lack of experience with writing tools. Sometimes, even over-use of writing tools can contribute to unusual and/or inefficient grasp patterns. Therefore, it is important to use a variety of materials to facilitate pencil grasp development; try not to focus just on using pencils, crayons, or markers.

Keys to Success

• Strengthen the tripod grasp: holding an object with the thumb, index and middle fingers.
• Provide early natural opportunities to strengthen and establish a tripod grasp.
• Limit verbal cues because students will "tune them out".
• Provide writing tools that fit the student's hand; consider length, diameter and weight of the tool.

Everyday Opportunities

• Present the writing tool with the tip pointing toward the student at their mid-line (middle of trunk).
• Have the student hangs up art and other work with clothes pegs.
• Have the students sign-in by printing their name on the board or placing a clothes peg beside their name.
• Use a small hand held spray bottle to wipe down boards and tables.

Stages of Development

This is the progression of grasp development although there are big differences as to what age children acquire the skills.  A few children will jump stages while others go through a phase of using a combination of grasps. This is good because they figure out for themselves which grasp works best for their hand.

Strategies

• Make sure students sit with good posture at their desk and use the cue, "feet flat, hips back, head up".
• Consider using alternative work positions especially standing at vertical surfaces, as well as a warm-up before doing fine motor activities.
• Using the cue "make a donut" will help the student keep the thumb from "collapsing" against the index finger while using objects held with the "pencil fingers" (thumb, index, and middle).

Devices & Tools

• Use of short chubby crayons or markers for students who use a fist grasp or hold a writing tool with all fingers extended.
• Playing with manipulatives that involve holding and handling them with the thumb, index and middle fingers; for example, spinning small tops or using small ink stamps.
• Use a variety of drawing and writing tools; e.g., paintbrush, coffee stir sticks in the sand. Also try drawing with just the fingers.
• Try a variety of pencil grips to see which works best for the student.
• A vertical surface, such as a slant board, will help to position the fingers well.
• www.designboom.com/contemporary/peg.html