Compiled by Shaye Fonseca, Senior OT at Skillbuilders Therapy for Children. July 2024.
As therapists, we frequently hear the exasperated statement, “but he knows how to hold the pencil,” from concerned parents. While it’s true that a child may cognitively understand how to hold a pencil correctly, the physical ability to do so can often be the missing piece. The task of holding a pencil functionally is more complex than it appears, involving years of practice and development.
❓Why Children Struggle with Pencil Grasp
The main reasons a child may struggle to hold or sustain a correct pencil grasp include:
Poor Hand Strength: This can lead to increased fatigue or pain. As a result, children may place more fingers on the shaft or grasp the pencil in a fist-like manner, using larger muscle groups to generate movement.
Hyper-mobility: Increased flexibility can cause joints to collapse or "lock" into place, resulting in limited dynamic movement.
Underdeveloped Palmar Arches or Thumb Opposition: Well-developed arches in the hand allow for mobility from the fingers and thumb while keeping the hand stable when writing. For instance, seeing a little pinky finger hanging out to the side like a royal drinking tea is an indication of underdeveloped dissociation and palmar arches. This development is crucial for stabilising the hand and improving precision.
Activities to Develop Palmar Arches
To support the development of palmar arches, consider incorporating these activities into a child’s routine:
Weight Bearing: Activities such as crawling, wheelbarrow walks, and animal walks help build strength and stability in the hands.
Pinching and Squeezing Activities: These activities enhance fine motor skills and strengthen the muscles needed for a proper pencil grasp.
Hand Hiding: Encourage children to hide coins in their hand and manipulate them up to the pinching fingers to place in a money box. This exercise promotes fine motor control and dexterity.
Cutting: Using scissors strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the hand responsible for precise movements.
Twisting: Activities like turning door knobs or manipulating nuts and bolts help develop the rotational movements essential for writing.
References
Elliott, J. M., & Connolly, K. J. (1984). A classification of manipulative hand movements. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 26, 283–296. [PubMed]
Benbow, M. (In S. A. Cermak & D. Larkin (Eds.)). Hand skills and handwriting. Developmental Coordination Disorder, 140–156. Albany, NY: Delmar/Thompson Learning.
Dennis, J. L., & Swinth, Y. (2001). Pencil grasp and children’s handwriting legibility during different-length writing tasks. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55, 175–183. [PubMed]
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