Help with Pencil Gripping

Happy Wednesday Parents!

Today we are talking about pencil gripping! It is an important part of development for your preschooler and something we teach often at Calvary Chapel Preschool. By the time your preschooler is 4 or 5 they usually start to develop a tripod grasp (3 finger) or quadruped grasp (4 finger). Amazingly, your child has been working on their fine motor skills since they were about 3 months old. Still, pencil gripping can be a challenge for a lot of preschoolers. Here are some ways to help those cute little fingers get more comfortable holding a pencil.

Practice Fine Motor Activities- This will help strengthen their arms, hands and fingers for pencil gripping and handwriting. Some of my favorites are playdough activities and card lacing. Card lacing is also a GREAT quiet time activity. Here are some fun card lacers on Amazon. You can even get crafty and make some with a hole punch and card stock!

Pencil Grips- There are so many different pencil grips on the market today. My suggestion would be to find the one that works for your child and buy a handful. These will help your child get used to the different grips and strengthen their thumb and finger muscles. This pencil grip is a favorite at CCP.

If your child is struggling with pencil gripping, don't worry! We're still here to help. At Calvary Chapel Preschool, we believe that every child is different and know that certain things can take longer or seem harder for some children. Still, talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's development.

Don't forget to check out our Pinterest page for more info and exercises that will help your child grow in this area!

Give your preschooler a hug for me! I miss them all so much.

Love, Miss Kat

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