By: Jenna Sarinelli, MS, OTR/L
One of the most common concerns regarding handwriting, from both parents and teachers, is pencil grasp. What can make pencil grasp such a tricky topic is that it is not always clear cut! Typically, pencil grasp will develop in a predictable pattern. As a child grows, their pencil grasp matures. The movement required for writing starts at the proximal aspect of the body (i.e., closest to the body, the shoulder) and progresses towards the distal end of the body (i.e., farthest away from the body, the hand/fingers).
Let’s start with the progression of pencil grasp:
Palmar Supinatine Grasp/Whole Hand Grasp (12 months – 1.5 years old)
The child holds the pencil with their whole hand, with the point of the pencil at the pinkie side of the hand. The movement of the pencil comes from the shoulder.
Digital Pronate Grasp (2 – 3 years old)
The child holds the pencil with their whole hand, with the point of the pencil at the thumb end of the hand. The movement of the pencil comes from the shoulder and the elbow.
Quadrupod Grasp/Four Fingered Grasp (3 – 4 years old)
The child holds the pencil between the thumb and the tips of the pointer, middle, and ring fingers. The movement of the pencil comes from the elbow and the wrist.
Static Tripod Grasp (3 – 4 years old)
The child holds the pencil between the thumb and the tip of the pointer finger, and rests on the side of the middle finger. The movement of the pencil comes from the arm and the wrist.
Dynamic Tripod Grasp (4 – 7 years old)
The child holds the pencil between the thumb and the tip of the pointer finger, and rests on the side of the middle finger. The movement comes from the hand and fingers.
It is important to note that while grasp development tends to follow this predictable pattern, every child is different! It is very possible for a child to develop in a different progression, in a different timeline, or even with different pencil grasps. Overall, the importance falls on the functionality of the grasp.
Some things to look for that may indicate a grasp that is not functional are: speed of writing, endurance for writing, and legibility of handwriting. If any or all of these aspects prove to be an issue for your child, then there may be an issue with pencil grasp.
Naturally, both parents and teachers will want to help their children develop their grasp; but it is important not to rush a grasp onto a child that is not ready. There are plenty of ways to assist a child’s grasp development that doesn’t require the use of a pencil! In order for a child to have a proper grasp and successful handwriting, they need a strong core to hold their body upright, strong arm muscles to complete movement for writing, and efficient fine motor skills. The best way to improve all of these aspects: PLAY! Through play, your child can improve all the underlying skills required for proper grasp formation. Gross motor activities such as playing on the playground, jumping, and climbing, can improve the core and upper body muscles required for writing. Fine motor activities such as crafts and coloring can improve the coordination and strength required in their hands and fingers to adequately hold and move a pencil. Most importantly, pick activities that your child enjoys, and you know will keep them engaged!
All in all, the important takeaways you need to know about pencil grasp are:
Don’t rush a grasp that your child is not ready for and utilize play as a way to build foundational skills. Remember, the end goal is function! If a child has legible handwriting, good endurance for writing, and adequate speed, then they are successful with their pencil grasp! If you have any concerns about your child’s grasp or skill sets, check in with your pediatrician or occupational therapist.