 Basic Principles
Correct Grip
As soon as possible children should be encouraged to adopt
a satisfactory pencil hold which will enable them to write effectively in a
relaxed manner and which will not result in problems at a later stage. It would
be wrong to suggest that there is a precise method of holding a pencil that must
be adopted by all, but there are basic principles which are generally accepted.
Right-handers
In the natural tripod grip the pencil is held lightly
between thumb and forefinger, about 3 cm from the point, with the middle finger
providing extra support. The pencil (or pen) should rest on the end joint of the
middle finger. The other two fingers rest lightly on the paper along with the
side of the hand. It is important that the pencil hold is so light and relaxed
that the pencil can be pulled out of the grip easily. The pencil should point
along the line of the forearm to the right of the shoulder at an angle of 45
degrees (approximately) to the writing line. Similarly the angle of the writing
instrument to the plane of the paper should be 45 degrees (approximately).
Left-handers
The method of holding the pencil is much the same as for
the right–hander except that the grip should be about 4 cm from the point
instead of 3 cm. This change makes it easier for the writer to see what is
written. Special care is needed to ensure that left-handers do not grip the pen
too tightly. Left-handers find the correct angle of pencil to paper more
difficult to achieve but can be helped through ensuring that the pencil is
neither too hard or too sharply pointed.
Directions for the teaching of correct grip
- Hold your pencil very lightly between your thumb and fore
finger.
- Your middle finger should also rest very lightly on the
pencil.
- Your other fingers and your hand can rest lightly on the
desk
- Do not press heavily on the paper
- The pencil should point along your arm. It must not point
up in the air or towards your body
- Use your left-hand to hold your exercise book steady.
Handwriting is a skill and like all skills, it may be
improved and refined through practice.
Letter Formation
- In teaching letter formation, the importance of
establishing correct movements cannot be overstated.
- Every letter has its own precise movement always starting
at the correct point and moving in a fixed direction. Families of letters have
certain starting points and movements in common, and should be taught together.
- Observe how the child forms his letters – be careful not
to be influenced by the finished product if done unobserved
- Incorrect letter formation leads to difficulties when
learning joined writing.
- The most common and troublesome error arises from the
practice of forming the letter o and its related letters as a clockwise circle.
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