Practicing the Three-Fingered Pencil Grip

ages 4-6

Supplies

Pencil, sock, sponge or paper towel

Activity Detail

Here are a couple of tricks for teaching children the three-fingered "tripod" pencil grip. Many children figure this out all on their own, but those who tend to hold their crayons in the full-fisted style can benefit a lot from these exercises. 1. Cut three small holes in the toe of a sock, and have your child put his thumb, pointer and middle fingers through the holes. Then give him a pencil or crayon, and have him practice drawing this way. 2. Cut out a small piece of sponge or paper towel and have your child grip it between his palm and his ring and pinky fingers. Have her hold the pencil with the other three fingers, and practice drawing and writing this way.