Pencil Grasp and Control

The most typical pencil grasp pattern that is used here in the US is a dynamic tripod grasp, though this is not the only grasp that is acceptable and functional. Many people use alternative grasp patterns quite successfully. The important idea to focus on is determining if the student has a good control of their pencil. Can they start and stop their pencil at the intended targets, can they make smooth curves, can they produce a sharp change of direction, can they trace with accuracy and ease? Is the student experience abnormal amounts of hand fatigue or pain when writing? Asking a student to change their grasp can be stressful and may not produce a positive change in their ability to produce handwriting. The following information should be helpful for students that do not have well developed control of their pencil. You may find it helpful to visit our pages regarding Fine Motor Development and Handwriting for additional information.

Print: Ideas to Promote Pencil Grasp and Control

Ideas to promote pencil grasp and control

1. Mark the end of the writing utensil with a piece of tape. Have the student "touch the tape" with their thumb and index finger.

2. Tracing works on pencil control and endurance without the stress of concentrating on letter formation, spelling etc. Trace favorite pictures in magazines, trace cartoons, or any other favorite pictures. There are many "tracing" apps available for smart phones and tablets. To strengthen muscles that hold a pencil, have your student trace, write and draw on a phone or tablet using a stylus, not their finger.

3) When coloring, it is especially helpful to trace the outline of the space that is going to be filled in before coloring. Example: trace around the car tire before coloring it in. This also enhances visual attention to detail.

(insert video of tracing)

4) Mazes

5) Q-tip painting. Pour a bit of paint into an empty bottle cap. Use Q-tip to paint a picture. Use several colors for fine motor practice of picking up and putting back down the bottle caps and Q-tips.

6) Push pin art. Use a styrofoam plate or tray and have child create a design with push pin.

(insert video of push pin art)

7) "Walk" fingers along a pencil shaft or other long thin object such as a magic wand: Grasp at one end then "inchworm" or "walk" finger down to the other end without help from the other hand. Rotate the pencil or wand without help from the other hand and go back to the other end. Repeat and repeat.

(insert video here)

8) Stencils

4) Writing on a vertical surface is one of the best positions to work on grasp development. This position promotes shoulder, elbow and wrist stability and puts the paper at eye level which promotes good posture. You can tape a paper a wall, use dry wipe board, or hang a clip board from a hook. "Shower board” mounted to a wall works as a great inexpensive dry wipe board. It can be found at home improvement stores.

(insert pictures of writing on vertical)

9) All activities that enhance hand strength will affect pencil control. Encourage all types of hand strengthening throughout the day. Examples: hammering, sweeping, raking, squeezing out wet cloths, carrying in groceries, putting away groceries, taking out the trash, Legos, playdough, stirring cookie dough, bowling, dribbling a basketball, and hanging from playground equipment. The list is limitless...