Many people think that a child should just be able to pick up a pencil and naturally hold it correctly without realizing how complex a skill it really is.
Pencil grip development begins way before we give a child a pencil to write with. Throughout their preschool years children participate in a wide number of activities that lay the foundation for pencil grip.
For example, scissor cutting, when done correctly, helps to develop a skill called motoric separation of the two sides of the hand which is just one of the skills needed to hold a pencil correctly.
You are probably asking yourself what the heck does motoric separation of the two sides of the hand mean? All that means is that when we use a pencil to write, one side of our hand is stable (pinky and ring finger) while the other side (thumb, index and middle fingers) moves the pencil.
Go ahead a pick up a pencil and write your name.
Did you notice that your ring and pinky fingers were tucked down slightly while your thumb, index and middle fingers were doing the work?
To help children understand this concept without calling it "motoric separation of the two sides of the hand" we call them our GO and STOP fingers.
Can you guess which fingers are which?
The fingers that move are called your “Go Fingers” and the fingers that stay still are your “Stop Fingers”. It's as simple as that.
That is a really great tip, my eldest is just learning to write, her reading is advanced but her writing needs a bit of support. thanks
Posted by: MOT Castle Bromwich | October 14, 2011 at 05:29 AM