Let's Talk Pencil Grip: What is it and Why is it Important? 

Why is pencil grip important? 

Developing a functional pencil grip is important for children to engage happily and comfortably in written tasks. Holding a pencil comfortably will significantly impact a child’s willingness to engage in written tasks. 

What are the stages of pencil grip development? 

Cylindrical / Palmer Grasp ~ 12 months - 1.5/2 years: 

This grasp develops as a child improves their ability to grasp and release objects. Movement is derived from the shoulder and the forearm, hand and fingers move as a unit. A child will typically scribble at this stage or try to imitate strokes. 

Digital Grasp ~ 2 - 3 years:

Writing tool is held between all fingers. Movement is derived mainly from the elbow and the forearm, hand and fingers move as a unit. A child’s ability to imitate shapes also becomes more refined; including horizontal and vertical lines and circles. 

Modified Tripod Grasp ~ 3 - 4 years: 

Fingers (typically all 4) sit on the pencil shaft opposite the thumb. Movement is typically derived from the wrist and there is little movement in the fingers.  

Tripod Grasp ~ 4 - 7 years:

This grasp develops as a child is more proficient at manipulating objects between the fingers and palm and able to rotate objects within the fingers. In a tripod grasp, the thumb, index and middle fingers work in unison to provide control. The ring finger and little finger sit beneath the middle finger to offer additional support. A child will have developed adequate pencil control when adopting this pencil grip. 

https://theotstore.com.au/blogs/occupational-therapy-articles/let-s-talk-pencil-grip-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important