When determining whether or not a particular pencil grasp should be changed, look for:

• Open web space (the thumb and index finger should be separated by a round gap)

• Wrist in neutral position which allows for..

• Ability for fingers to bend (flex/extend), therefore avoiding use of whole-arm movements to guide pencil

**Proper pencil grip must be taught and practiced

What to avoid:

• Tight grips on pencil (may lead to fatigue)

• Unusual wrist positioning

• Arms creating the movement (look at shoulder/elbow to determine whether or not there is stability)

  • • • Static versus dynamic grip is developmental (see above)

• Holding away from the base of the pencil (decreases control and increases wrist movement)

How to remedy an inefficient grasp:

• Modify pencil placement

  • • Place the pencil between index and middle fingers

• Hold a small item in palm, using ring and pinky fingers

• Adapt the pencil/writing utensil

  • • Golf sized (or SMALLER!)

    • Break your crayons in half (two for the price of one)

    • Cut a Q-tip in half and use it for painting

    • Visual cue such as sticker or line made with marker

    • Twist N Write

    • Pencil grips

• Positioning

  • • Consider use of a slant board to avoid wrist hyperextension (a 3-ring binder that is approximately 2 inches is a simple hack for a slant board)

    • Complete coloring tasks with paper on a vertical surface (e.g. wall, fridge)