Get a grip on how your child hold's their pencil

Holding a pencil or crayon properly can make a huge difference in the fluidity and legibility of your child's handwriting.   Occupational therapist state that it's much more difficult to correct an unusual pencil grip after the age of 6 so it's important to try and correct it early on.

Take a look at the pencil Sapphire and Opal have been practicing with lately.  Who wouldn't want to print with this funky little pumpkin topped pencil?

A shortened pencil forces the hand to stay near the tip of the pencil, allowing for better control, all the while  promoting the tripod grasp.  Chubby soft crayons or pencils are also a good alternative for a child who is experiencing an immature pencil grip.

Pencil grips are another assistive device that can help strengthen printing skills.  I prefer a simple rubber band twisted around the end of a pencil.  It simply guides little ones as to where they need to place their fingers. 

There are many reasons why some children have difficulty learning how to form letters and numbers, and how to write neatly.  However, there are lots of fun ways to make this important skill easier.

Cheers,