This limits their pencil control and speed in the long term. It is not a very functional grasp though, as the child will never develop dynamic control from the fingers. It is likely that this is because it is easier for them to keep a hold of the pencil and it gives them more control than a digital pronate grasp. They tend to be better suited to older children, as. Children with low tone and hypermobility will frequently use this grasp. Pencil grips are a temporary measure to encourage a better pencil grasp and make handwriting less painful. The child may also hook their index finger right around the top of the pencil. The child spreads all of their fingers along the shaft of the pencil and controls the pencil with their little finger. Some common less functional grasps you might see are as follows: Fingers along shaft The reason these grasps are not ideal is because they don’t allow for optimal finger movement and control of the pencil. This is usually because their fine motor skills are not matured enough when they first start holding onto a pencil. Again, exposure to various writing and art materials will improve pencil grip, as will fine motor activities that do not require a pencil and paper. They can make large movements and their colouring is not very controlled.Ĭhildren with poor fine motor skills will often find an alternative way to hold onto their pencil. Correct pencil grasp becomes increasingly important as a child nears formal schooling where more writing will be required. The child will hold their pencil with their fist. This is typical for a 12-18 month year old. To begin with, the child will use what is called a ‘ gross grasp‘ or a ‘palmer grasp’. There are four main stages that the child will progress through. To be efficient with their pencil skills, the child also needs to be able to hold the paper steady with their other hand. As they get older, their pencil grasp matures. Initially the child uses a larger or gross grasp. Pencil grasp, like all motor skills, develops in a sequence. While this is okay for toddlers who are just learning how to color, preschoolers and kindergartners (without any fine motor delays) should be able to hold their pencil with their thumb and pointer finger. Let’s explore the stages of pencil grasp development, and some examples of functional and less functional grasps. In reality however, it is common to see a variation of this grasp in adults and children. The reason so much focus is put onto this grasp, in my opinion, is that it is because the other grasps are less efficient. This helps to facilitate speed of writing. The reason the dynamic tripod is championed is because it provides the most amount of pencil control for the least amount of muscle effort.
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