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Some Tips for Parents and Teachers:

 

 

* Pencil Grasp: Many grasps are perfectly fine. But ensure that a child has an open web space. This means the thumb and forefinger form an oval when a child holds the pencil.

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                                           Improve Pencil Grasp - pick up small items with tweezers

                                                                                             - string beads, move from large to smaller

                                                                                             - play with pegboards (make letters and numbers)  

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* Bilateral Coordination: Help kids use two hands together when writing! One hand holds the paper. The other hand writes. This skill is key to efficient writing.

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                     Improve Bilateral Coordination - practice cutting paper strips, move onto pictures

                                                                                             - fold paper, try simple origami activities

                                                                                             - practice stringing beads  

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* Writing Instrument: A wide pencil is more comfortable for young hands. If a child has difficulty holding a pencil with an open web space, hand strength and development may be too immature for writing. Practice basic writing strokes with chalk on a vertical surface.

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                                     Vary Writing Instrument - once a child has a well-formed grip, try writing with markers,                                                                                                              paintbrushes and chalk.