OT Activity of the Day:
Pinch and Flip Method
Target Age Range: 4 and up
The best way to ensure that a child has the proper pencil grip is to introduce proper habits from the start. I know it's tempting to manipulate your child's hand and pencil so that the end result is the tripod grasp, however this does not provide your child with the proper strategy to ensure carryover.
The best way to teach your child how to hold the pencil in a tripod grasp is the "pinch and flip" method. First, place the pencil on the table so that the tip of the pencil is facing your child. The next step is highlighted by the picture. Have your child use their dominant hand and pinch the tip of the pencil with their thumb and index finger. The last step, and the most fun, is to then flip the pencil so that it rests between the thumb and index finger web space. The index finger should be on top of the pencil, thumb on the side and the middle finger providing support from the bottom.
And there you have it, you've just taught your child how to properly hold their pencil! Enjoy!