Teaching Kids Proper Pencil Grips

A child needs to learn how to correctly hold a pencil to develop fine motor skills. Teaching kids proper pencil grips is an important job for any parent or teacher, and learning how to properly grip a writing instrument also reduces ergonomic stress on the fingers, hands and wrists. Demonstrating proper form, using small pencils to practice, and using pencil grips helps your child learn the correct way to hold a pencil.

Demonstrating proper form

Prior to giving your child a pencil to practice with, demonstrate the proper form for holding a writing instrument. Hold the pencil between your thumb and pointer finger, and use your middle finger to rest the pencil on, for added stability. When children see the proper form, it is easier for them to replicate it correctly.

Use small pencils to start

Kids should start writing with small pencils, such as golf pencils, to start. These pencils fit easily into small hands, and are also easier for children to control. Place the pencil into your child's hand and maneuver his or her hand around the pencil to form the correct grip. Help your child hold the paper steady with the other hand as he or she practices writing. Once children are able to write well with a small pencil, move up to a standard pencil.

Using pencil grips

Pencil grips are items made of rubber and other materials that are placed on a pencil to achieve proper writing form. A tripod grip is the most basic grip and helps your child hold his or her fingers properly. Remove the pencil grips once your child is able to write correctly.

Helping your child learn how to hold a pencil properly is a fairly straightforward task. Using a pencil grip and golf pencil makes the process much easier as well. Always demonstrate proper technique first, so that your child can model your grip.