Overview

A tripod grasp is a functional grasp that most of us use when using a pencil or pen! Tripod grasps are important as their use helps set us up for functional success with writing and other tasks. Encourage your child to use their first three fingers (thumb, index, middle) to hold their pencil, crayon, or marker. Your child’s ability to write and form letters will come with time as they progress through school. For your child’s age and stage, we recommend focusing on the isolated task of holding a pencil (or crayon/marker) with this specific grasp and not worrying too much about the steps that follow!

Tips & Tricks:

• Draw together! Try drawing lines with chalk, crayons, markers and pencils.

• "Tiny tools for tiny hands!" Using crayon pieces or small golf pencils will help your child to use a tripod grasp rather than using a fist to hold large markers.

• Start a piggy bank. The action of placing a coin into a piggy bank is a preparatory motion that can introduce your child to a tripod-like movement.

• Play sorting games using tweezers. Ask your child to pinch and collect beans, papers, or cotton balls from one bowl and place them in another.

• Play with clothespins or involve your child in hanging up the laundry outside! This pinching movement will challenge your child to use their index finger and thumb.

• Glue beans, sparkles, or glittery beads onto paper and make some art!

Plate Sewing

Plate sewing is a fun and challenging way for you to get your child to practice using their pincer grasp (in preparation for a tripod grasp!). Simply poke large holes in a paper plate and show your child how to hold the string or plastic needle with their thumb and forefinger and weave it through each hole!