28/03/2025
PENCIL GRASP - does it really matter?
Yes, but not in the way you might think!
It’s less about what it looks like, and more about comfort and control.
We actually no longer consider the tripod grasp (i.e., the index finger positioned on the shaft of the pencil, in opposition to the thumb) to be the only effective grasp.
What we look for instead, is whether a grasp is FUNCTIONAL.
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That is:
• No pain
• Legible writing (though this is affected by other factors too)
• Ability to write for an age-appropriate amount of time without fatiguing
What assists in achieving each of these?
• Pencil movements that are driven by the thumb and fingers, rather than the wrist or elbow. This requires the wrist and elbow to be stabilised on the table. These “dynamic movements” are usually established by age 5-6.
• Having the ring and little fingers tucked into the palm of the hand
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• An open webspace between the thumb and index finger, forming a C-shape. ⠀
OTs are moving away from using pencil grips (moulded foam/plastic added to a pencil) if a grasp is functional. It may not look quite right to us - but it may well be functional.
Sometimes OTs come across grasps that aren’t efficient, but they’re so well engrained that they’re too hard to change. Especially considering kids are being expected to hold pencils at earlier and earlier ages!
When a grasp is problematic or inefficient, we look at remediation and support, such as hand strengthening activities, and accommodations, such as typing or allowing a child longer to complete written work.
