Holding a Pencil Properly

Below are some tips that will help your child's pencil skills:

Good Posture Children's feet should be on the floor and the desk surface should be at a height for the arm and elbow to rest comfortably. If the chair is too high, place a foot stool under the child's feet.
Proper Pencil Grasp The pencil should be held between the pads of the thumb and the index finger while resting on the middle finger. Another appropriate version of this grasp is for the pencil to be held between the pads of the thumb and the index and middle fingers while resting on the ring finger.

Extra Helpful Tips:

Pencil Grips Use pencil grips for children who have a difficult time remembering how to hold their pencil.
Short Pencils Break or sharpen pencils down to about a 2-inch length. This will encourage small hands to hold the pencil properly.
Chubby Writing Tools Use sidewalk chalk, chubby crayons, or a chubby pencil cut down to a short 2-inch length to help children gain more control.