Tips Parents Can Try at Home

For younger children, encourage small motor development with play-dough or writing in shaving cream or sand. Make sure they have chances to practice. Have plenty of writing materials available to your child. Scrap paper, crayons and shorter or “mini” pencils are perfect for preschoolers.

Give them opportunities to practice. Color with them or sit to do paperwork while they scribble on scrap paper.

Watch them. Look for changes in the way they hold a pencil or crayon. Demonstrate the hold you want them to adopt.

If they are struggling or you are concerned about their development, contact their teacher immediately.

Learn more at www.thepencilgrip.com or www. yourkidsot.com/blog/holding-a-pencil-does-it-really-matter-how.