Pencil Grasp Development

Pencil grasp development begins long before children are ready for formalized writing. It begins even before even the first coloring and scribbles are put to paper, before the one you, as a parent, so proudly hang on the fridge. In fact, you might be surprised to find that pencil grasp development begins when children are babies; when they are just barely out of the newborn stage.

Join me as I go in depth about pencil grasp development. First, I will be sharing how baby’s first grasps develop into the beginning pencil grasps common for toddlers. Then we’ll chat about how preschoolers transition from those common grasps used by toddlers into a grasp that is more developed and allows more control. Finally, I will share what a proper pencil grasp looks like and when parents should begin to worry.

To read more, see my posts on Playdough to Plato.

Pencil Grasp Development in Babies and Toddlers

Pencil Grasp Development in Preschoolers

Pencil Grasp Development in Kindergarteners

Pencil Grasp Development in Babies and Toddlers

Nope, you didn’t read that subtitle wrong. The development of correct pencil grasp begins well before a child begins writing, and even before a child begins using writing tools. It begins as soon as your child begins grasping toys, which usually begins at three to four months of age. When a baby grasps a rattle or teething ring he is demonstrating the first steps in learning how to write…

Pencil Grasp in Preschoolers

Acquiring the correct pencil grasp is one of the most important physical skills children develop and most of that takes place during the preschool years. Children transition from holding a pencil with a very crude grasp to something that nearly resembles a more advanced, adult-like hold…

Pencil Grasp Development in Kindergartners

As a child’s fine motor muscles in the hands, fingers and wrists become stronger, their pencil grasp will change to reflect that added strength. Between the ages of four and seven years, most children will develop the desired tripod grasp recommended by pediatricians and occupational therapists…