How to Use a Pencil Grip

Pencil grips help to correctly position your fingers on a the pencil. When children begin using a pencil, gripping it is often difficult. Grips give children that little bit of guidance to help them hold their pencils properly, but children often do like using them because it creates a new hand position, and it feels strange at first. Follow these simple steps to teach your child how to use a pencil grip.

1. First: Position the pencil grip at the edge of the pencil

   Place the pencil grip at the edge of the pencil to show your child the correct position to place their fingers. Place the pencil grip about a half-inch above the tip of the lead. Children learn to write much faster when their fingers are in the right place.

2. Second: Place the fingers correctly on the grip

   Place the thumb on the bottom groove of the grip. Lay the middle finger on the side of the grip, and place the index finger on the top of the grip.

3. Third: Keep the pressure balanced

   Position the pencil so there is equal pressure between the fingers, and make sure to keep all fingers bent slightly. Keeping balanced pressure between the fingers prevents the occurrence of any type of muscle strain or other problems with the fingers and the wrist.

4. Fourth: Adjust the grip when necessary

   As the pencil begins to get smaller due to wear and sharpening, rearrange the position of the pencil grip. If the pencil gets too small after repeated use, position the grip on a new pencil.