Today, we unveil Tip #8: "Use the correct grip: Hold the pen or pencil with a tripod grip (using thumb and index finger) for better control.
An efficient grip will allow students to write longer without fatigue. Both Tripod and Quadrupod grasps are considered functional and efficient. The tripod grasp has 3 points of contact on the pen or pencil and the quadrupod grasp has 4 points of finger contact on the marker or crayon.
The student should have a palmar arch when writing. This is a cupping of the palm to allow space for separation of the two sides of the hands. The index and thumb comprise the precision side of the hand and the ring and pinky finger is the power side of the hand.
Having separation of the sides of the hands and using an efficient grasp has several benefits.
- Precision for Legibility. The tripod grasp allows for greater accuracy with the index finger and thumb when forming letters.
- Pressure: the power side of the hand can grade how much or how little pressure to use when coloring or using markers.
- Comfort: Using an efficient grasp reduces strain on the small muscles of the hand and fingers allowing for longer writing.
- Continuity: Haing a proper grasp set the child up for sucess for essays, typing and tool use in the future.
