Tag Archives: pencil grip

Choosing the right pencil grip tools for kids can significantly improve handwriting comfort, control, and endurance. These tools promote proper finger placement and reduce hand fatigue, benefiting students with fine motor challenges or those learning correct pencil grasp. Explore adaptive pencil grips and strategies that support fine motor development and encourage efficient, legible writing.

Teacher and two children coloring

Is Handwriting an Endangered Skill?

Handwriting, , ,

There are numerous arguments surrounding the viewpoint that handwriting may become an endangered skill. Some common reasons include:

  • Digital Advancements: Some argue that typing skills are more relevant in today’s world than traditional handwriting.
  • Efficiency: The speed and efficiency of typing may outpace the time-consuming nature of handwriting.
  • Access to Information: Information readily available online may diminish the perceived importance of memorizing and manually transcribing information.
  • Emergence of Voice Recognition: As voice recognition technology advances, speaking into devices may replace the need for written communication.

It’s crucial to counterbalance these points by discussing the benefits of handwriting, including its role in fine motor skill development, cognitive processes, and potential impact on memory retention. Occupational therapists practitioners (OTPs) at Therapro advocate for a holistic approach that incorporates both traditional and digital skills.

The Significance of National Handwriting Day

On January 23rd, Therapro celebrates National Handwriting Day, coinciding with the birthday of John Hancock, one of America’s founding fathers known for his large, dramatic signature on the Declaration of Independence. Before the advent of computers, handwriting was essential for the communication of ideas. Teaching handwriting is a cornerstone of literacy, fostering letter recognition, and supporting the development of motor and visual memory skills. The act of handwriting has been thought to be important for memory retention and activating neural pathways associated with strong reading skills.

Evidence-Based Practices for Handwriting Development

The reasons OTPs, teachers, and parents value handwriting skills are grounded in evidence-based practices. Research suggests that interventions focusing on specific prerequisites, including core strength, postural stability, attention, fine motor coordination, visual perception, and visual-motor integration contribute to improved handwriting skills in children.

Learn to Build ABCs game

Activity-Based Practice:

Let's Do It write workbook for writing readiness

Use Handwriting Curricula that Include Sensorimotor Activities:

  • Handwriting curricula can be designed to include exercises that address sensory processing, fine motor skills, and perceptual-motor integration to support comprehensive handwriting development.
Here's How I Write

Self-Assessment Practice:

  • Engaging students in the assessment process can improve learning and motivation. Using a tool like Therapro’s Here’s How I Write (HHIW) assessment, students can be active participants in the process. With HHIW student’s self-assess aspects of handwriting like letter formation, spacing, and overall legibility.
  • This process promotes self-reflection and empowers students to take an active role in improving their handwriting skills.

Co-Teaching and Collaboration with Teachers:

  • OPTs and teachers can collaborate to implement strategies that address handwriting challenges in the classroom.
  • This may involve modifying assignments, providing accommodations/adaptations, or offering specialized support to individual students.
Slant board

Understanding the interactive relationship among motor, sensory processing, perceptual-motor, and language skills is crucial for effective handwriting development.

Recognizing the Enduring Value of Handwriting

In a world dominated by digital devices, handwriting is perceived by some as an endangered skill. The decline in traditional activities like handwriting due to smartphones and computers should not overshadow its enduring value. Handwriting is not just a functional skill; it is an integral part of a child’s holistic development, influencing cognitive, motor, and emotional aspects. Recognizing the importance of handwriting allows for more targeted and effective interventions based on evidence. Balancing technology with the preservation of traditional skills is key. National Handwriting Day on January 23rd serves as a reminder of its historical and cultural significance. As we embrace technology, let’s not overlook the unique benefits that handwriting brings to cognitive development and personal expression.

Tools For A Successful Handwriting Journey

The list below is just a few of the many tools and resources available from Therapro that provide handwriting support.

Cover of the book: Making It Legible: A Practical Guide to Making Handwriting Legible
Making It Legible: A Practical Guide to Making Handwriting Legible
Wikki Stix Alphabet and Number Cards
Wikki Stix Alphabet and Number Cards
Raised Line Paper Assortment
Raised Line Paper Assortment
Pre-Handwriting Fun Deck
Pre-Handwriting Fun Deck
Pencil and Grip Sampler II
Pencil and Grip Sampler II

For all of your handwriting needs be sure to visit Therapro.com!

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT – Retired

Collaborative Blog Project: Pencil Grips

Handwriting, , ,

Therapro recognizes the value in the experience that comes from therapists working in the field. Back in January, we tried a little experiment; we had you all tell us your best tips and tricks related to handwriting evaluations.  We then took all of that wonderful information and compiled it into a collaborative blog post.  The information that comes from this type of collaborative approach is invaluable, and so we have put together our second collaborative blog post on pencil grips.

To gather information about the whats and whys of pencil grip usage, we asked you about the grips you are currently using, your favorite type of pencil grip, and the reason that you use grips. The Stetro Grip was identified as a favorite based on its size and “feel in little hands.” The Pencil Grip was a close second based on its design and because “students love it.” 

Pencil Grips: Survey Results

Which Pencil Grips Used when Choosing the Right Pencil Grip
Favorite Pencil Grips when Choosing the Right Pencil Grip
Why Use Pencil Grips

Some other great information that came out of this project was the ways therapists assess the need for pencil grips as well as tips and tricks therapists use to help promote a better pencil grasp.  

When determining the need for a pencil grip, the therapist Therapro surveyed suggested the following: 

  • Do a “Before and After”.  Assess a writing sample with and without a pencil grip to determine if the pencil grip influences legibility or changes the length of time a child is able to participate in the writing task.  
  • Just Ask!: A child’s willingness to use a pencil grip is often an overlooked factor but is absolutely critical. The user should always be an active participant in the decision to use a pencil grip and should have a role in deciding which one works best for them.
  • Check Applicability & Practicality.  Other important factors to consider include how practical is the pencil grip and is it applicable to the student’s current needs. Consider factors such as: Does the child switch classes/ have different environments that they are expected to do writing tasks in? Are there other writing instruments that the child uses (crayons, paintbrushes, etc.), and do they need to be modified in any way? Is the child still expected to do writing tasks or are they moving toward alternative input methods such as typing? 

Tips and Tricks for promoting functional grasp patterns included:

  • Hold small objects in the last two fingers to promote the separation of the two sides of the hand.
  • Use small writing tools (for example, broken crayons,  crayon rocks or short pencils) to promote the development of a tripod grasp.
  • Use triangular-shaped writing instruments to promote a tripod grasp. 
  • Use vertical surfaces (for example, tape the writing paper to the wall) or use slant boards for optimal hand placement and to promote better posture.
  • Highlight the writing space or use highlighter paper to help students write within the boundary area and to increase visual attention. 
  • In a pinch, wrapping clay around the pencil can be used for a pencil grip! 

Thank you to all of the wonderful therapists who took the time to share their expertise with us.  If you are looking for further guidance on choosing the right pencil grip, be sure to check out Therapro’s Get a Grip on Grips Handy Guide!

Tips for Choosing Your Pencil Grip from Gail Kushnir, MA OT, B.Ed

Handwriting, ,

On February 2, 2020 Therapro was happy to host another successful webinar, Let’s Do It Write! Writing Readiness presented by Gail Kushnir, MA OT, B.Ed. During this webinar many writing readiness topics were discussed including the use of pencil grips. Gail noted the purpose of a pencil grip is to provide maximum support to the child in order to allow skill, stamina, and speed while handwriting. With a vast array of grips available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Gail simplified the process with these basic rules:

Too much pressure… use a soft grip like The Pencil Grip. This soft, molded grip encourages a natural writing position while minimizing finger strain.

Best For: Children and adults needing general support for a dynamic tripod grasp

Pros:

  • Versatile; works for left and right-handers
  • Comfortable for extended writing

Cons:

  • Less structured than other training grips
  • May not correct more severe grip issues
Ergonomic pencil grip tool for improving handwriting comfort and control

Too much flexibility and instability….use a grip with firm support like the Bulb Grip. The Bulb-Shaped Grip features a round, bulbous design that encourages a natural grasp by positioning the fingers comfortably around the soft contour. It’s especially helpful for young children or those struggling with developing hand strength and control.

Best For: Emerging writers who need substantial support to develop fine motor coordination

The Bulb Pencil Grip

Pros:

  • Promotes a relaxed grip
  • Offers excellent tactile feedback
  • Great for children with low tone or motor planning challenges

Cons:

  • Bulky; may not fit all pencil sizes
  • May not support finger isolation as precisely as more structured grips

Tremors….use a weighted grip at the top of the pencil and The Pencil Grip near the point. Weights add subtle weight to the pencil, improving feedback and hand control.

Best For: Students with tremors, poor proprioception, or sensory processing challenges.

Pros:

  • Enhances body awareness
  • Can reduce tremors or shaky writing

Cons:

  • Heavier than standard grips
  • May cause fatigue if overused
Weight for pencils

Ectopic Dermatitis or physical anomalies….use a tube that increases the circumference of the pencil. This foam tubing can be cut to size and slipped over a pencil to create a larger, cushioned grip. It’s especially useful for clients with arthritis, decreased grip strength, or tactile sensitivity. Unlike traditional pre-formed grips, this option offers full-barrel coverage, enhancing stability and comfort.

Best For: Individuals needing a custom or wider grip diameter for improved comfort and control.

Closed Cell Cylindrical Foam Tubing

Pros:

  • Customizable fit and length
  • Lightweight and soft
  • Ideal for users with joint pain or limited fine motor coordination

Cons:

  • Less structured; doesn’t guide finger placement
  • May not appeal to users needing visual or tactile prompts for finger positioning

In most situations, a slanted surface is crucial! Slant boards promote an optimal writing angle, encouraging better wrist extension, upright posture, and proper eye-hand alignment. When used in combination with the right pencil grip, slant boards reduce fatigue and support more controlled, legible handwriting. Therapro offers a range of options—collapsible, adjustable, rigid, and lightweight—to meet the diverse needs of students and clients.

Best For: Enhancing posture, visual tracking, and hand positioning during writing tasks

Pros:

  • Promotes ergonomic writing posture
  • Improves line of sight and reduces neck strain
  • Supports hand and wrist positioning for improved fine motor control

Cons:

  • Bulky to transport (depending on the model)
  • May require space considerations in smaller classrooms
slant board, black

Still not sure, check out Therapro’s Get a Grip on Grips Handy Guide!