Does Pencil Grip Matter?
Over the years in the classroom I saw a lot of handwriting that was less than ideal. Some kids had poor pencil grips. Was there a correlation? Does pencil grip matter? I assumed pencil grip played a big part, so I tried my best to encourage a proper grasp. But by second grade, those habits are pretty hard to break.
When my daughter started writing I was determined not to let her fall into a “bad” pencil grip habit. I was so adamant about the tripod grip being perfect, that I started to annoy her. We’d battle it out, and in the end, she’d revert to holding her pencil the way she felt was more comfortable.
I want to spare you some pencil grip wars in your house. In this post I’ll talk about what makes a pencil grip inefficient vs. functional, so you’ll know if you need to be concerned. I’ll also share some tips for preventing poor pencil grip and encouraging good pencil grip.
What Research Reveals
When kids have messy handwriting, pencil grip is the first thing we turn to. But pencil grip shouldn’t always get the blame. If your child doesn’t have the ideal “dynamic tripod grip” not all is lost.
This research study showed that pencil grip did not impact the legibility or speed of handwriting in a group of fourth graders. Although the “perfect” grip was most commonly used, other grips were functional for kids to write neatly and without fatigue.
Sometimes there’s more than poor pencil grip affecting a child’s handwriting. I encourage you to get a professional opinion if you’re concerned with your child. An occupational therapist will evaluate and determine what other factors are at play. Weak posture muscles, poor touch perception, weak hand and finger muscles or lack of hand coordination could be underlying problems for your child.
Pencil grip does matter when it’s considered inefficient.
What is an Inefficient Pencil Grip?
Kids who have an inefficient pencil grip use their wrist and/or arm muscles to control the movement of their pencil. This can make handwriting uncomfortable and tiring, and also messier.
What is a Functional Pencil Grip?
Kids who have a functional pencil grip will not be uncomfortable or fatigue easily when writing. Their thumb, index, and middle finger all work together to control the movement of their pencil.
How to Prevent Inefficient Pencil Grip
It’s helpful to know that pencil grip develops over time. A tripod grip develops between ages 4-6; so don’t try to push your 3 year-old to use a tripod grip when his muscles just aren’t ready.
Work on Fine Motor Skills First
Strengthening the fine motor skills that are needed to grasp a pencil must come before using a pencil. Activities that require kids to use their thumb, index, and middle fingers in grasping are key. This prepares them for the tripod grip as it strengthens the very fingers needed for holding a pencil properly.
List of Simple Fine Motor Activities to Help Pencil Grip
- Cut with scissors
- Play with Playdough
- Squeeze clothespins
- Tear paper
- Color by putting crayon flat on it’s side and rubbing
- Pick up small items with tongs, chopsticks, or tweezers
- Squirt water from a bottle or water gun
How to Encourage Functional Pencil Grip
By ages 6-7 most kids master the tripod grip. If your child is struggling, try these hints to help her remember how to hold her pencil correctly.
Pencil Pick Up Trick
Here’s a trick to try from Jenae at icanteachmychild.com that will help your child pick up a pencil correctly every time.
Pencil Pick Up Song
Here’s a fun pencil pick up song sung to the tune of “Open and Shut Them” that uses verbal cues from Handwriting Without Tears. The lyrics are as follows:
My thumb is bent
Pointer points to the tip
Middle finger uses its side
I tuck my last two fingers in
And take it for a ride
Conclusion
Does pencil grip matter? Having the ideal pencil grip does not mean your child will have perfect handwriting. It’s one component. You also have to consider their letter formation, use of lines on the paper, and letter spacing. All contribute to legible handwriting.
But, having a solid tripod pencil grip will help your child learn to write effortlessly, with more endurance and neatness.
Your Turn
Does your child have a functional pencil grip? Did it come naturally or did you need to guide your child?
