Pencil Grasp   

There are many ways to hold a pencil/pen/crayon in your hand and all of them can be functional. So generally unless you are motivated to change your grasp or at least open to trying, then pushing a grasp change will most likely not be successful.  

What is a functional grasp? 

  •  Can be maintained without pain
  •  Can write/color/draw as long as others of the same age
  •  Can write legibly 
  •  Can write as quickly as others

The ideal grasp is a dynamic tripod grasp because it provides the most movement of the pencil with the least amount of physical effort.  This grasp is considered the most efficient way to hold a pencil.

However, a dynamic tripod is not the only way to hold a pencil/crayon.  There are other functional grasps that allow the user to write, draw, and color just as effectively.  Their hand may or may not fatigue more quickly or experience more discomfort but they get the task done.  

If your pencil grasp is not functional due to speed, pain, or fatigue and you are willing to try a change here are a few tips to help:

  • Trying a shorter pencil or crayon that will develop a stronger tripod grasp.
 
 
  • Take a small ball or roll a piece of paper up and hold it with your little & ring fingers while writing.
 
 
 
  •  Interlock 2 rubber bans or take one large band and wrap around the wrist and the eraser end of a pencil to keep it in the first 3 fingers.