How to teach a child to hold a pen and pencil correctly: 7 ways

If you give a four-year-old child a pencil, he will probably take it in his fist. Although in this age period this way of grasping writing utensils is considered a relative norm, it is worth thinking about how to teach a child to hold a pen correctly.

An incorrect habit will certainly affect writing and handwriting and even academic performance, since incorrect grip leads to rapid fatigue, inconvenience and reluctance to work in a notebook.

And yet, it is possible to teach a child to write correctly, since there are several effective methods, one of which will definitely appeal to the future student.

Why is it important

Leaving drawing and writing classes to chance is not a good idea. When a child first picks up a pencil and tries to draw something on a piece of paper, the process itself is important to him. He can hold the pencil in his fist, or grab it in a way that is convenient at the moment. Don't expect that clumsy scribbles will one day turn into calligraphic handwriting.

If you do not correct the position of the writing instrument in your child's hand, over time it can become a habit that will become a serious obstacle in school. Even if the handwriting is beautiful and legible, the strange position of the pen will cause ridicule from classmates. During classes at school, the teacher will definitely pay attention to this and try to help correct the incorrect position of the pen, but a habit developed from early childhood may remain unchanged. The young schoolchild will be tired, suffer from the fact that he cannot write, he will lag behind in writing dictations, and, as a result, in further education.

Parents should be aware that it is very difficult to hold a pen correctly when writing to a first grader. In addition, it may fall or tear the notebook when writing letters. This may cause tears and irritation. Experiencing negative emotions and increased stress on the arm, the student will try to find a comfortable position. This may lead to aversion to homework and poor posture and vision.

Teaching your child to hold a pen correctly takes time and patience. This should be taught gradually, with the help of simple games and drawing. Also, when purchasing office supplies, you should consider their purpose and size.

How to prepare your hand for writing?

It is useless to engage in drawing with a child if his fingers are not yet sufficiently developed. You can play finger games with your baby: “Ladushki”, “White-sided Magpie”. Give him toys that encourage him to develop precise movements. Developmental centers and training mats will be of great help. Buy or make several handbags and pockets with different fasteners. The baby will make every effort to open the zipper, button and Velcro if he gets used to the fact that an interesting surprise awaits him in the container.

Older children can be offered games with balls, large beads, which are strung on a thin string. Lacing toys are very helpful for fine motor skills. Buy your child safe plasticine that you can put in your mouth - let him crush it, roll sausages, and try to mold something. For the development of both fingers and mental activity, you can purchase a construction set.

Good training for the hand and other activities:

• puzzles;
• tying knots, learning the basics of macrame;
• coloring books;
• drawing various figures using cells, dots or contour lines.

It is good to combine the development of fine motor skills with introducing the baby to household chores. At 3-4 years old, under the supervision of his mother, you can introduce him to needlework: teach him to sew on buttons, embroider simple patterns. Before the New Year, organize a competition for the best carved snowflake to decorate the Christmas tree. When making cookies or pie, give your child a piece of dough. Let him make his own figurine, which must also be baked, everyone should try a piece and praise the young chef for the delicious treat.

Don’t expect that a teacher in the first grade will be able to teach your child how to hold a pen correctly. If an incorrect grip has already formed, it will be very difficult to get rid of the habit, and teachers simply have no time to deal with it. Often annoying little things and habits that are harmless in the eyes of parents poison a student’s life so much that he refuses to go to class. Take care of your baby's future, do not regret 20-30 minutes a day to develop the necessary skills.

How to hold a pen correctly when writing

Most modern writing instruments are very comfortable and have a rubber mark where you should place your fingers. It is located at a distance of 1.5 cm from the tip.

Right-handed people take the writing object with the first three fingers of their working (right) hand. It should be located on the side of the last phalanx of the middle finger. It is this finger that sets the rod’s trajectory. The remaining two fingers hold the handle in the desired position: the index finger should be on top of the handle, and the thumb should hold it to the left. All three fingers should be slightly bent and not tense.

Signs of an improper grip

To prevent the negative consequences of improper grip, you should pay attention to how the baby first tries to grab a pencil. Problems may arise if:

• the child strongly bends the index finger and holds it with the outer part of the nail phalanx (while the thumb is located lower);
• the free tip of the pencil is directed not towards the shoulder of the working hand, but in any other direction.
• grooves remain on the paper, the stylus or rod tears the paper;
• there is weak pressure when writing;
• the baby uses the first two fingers when grasping, and the middle one does not participate in the process;
• The pencil is grasped correctly, but too low or high.

Improper pencil grip

Why is it so important to hold your writing instrument correctly?

Rules for using writing instruments have been developed by specialists in various fields (teachers, doctors, psychologists). They take into account several factors:

• convenience - the process itself should not cause discomfort, since we have to write a lot in life;
• calligraphy - it is important that handwritten text can be easily read;
• productivity - the ability to write quickly and not feel tired;
• maintaining health - posture, visual acuity.

Therefore, it is not enough to put a pen in a child’s hands and show how to hold it correctly. You need to teach him to sit upright at a desk while writing, train his hand muscles so that they can control the writing instrument, and also develop fine motor skills to develop accuracy and confidence in movements. But this must be done gradually, while playing. Then the baby will learn to write easily and quickly, and his handwriting will be neat and legible.

A child’s ability to hold a pen (pencil) correctly is an acquired skill, the presence of which determines calligraphy and writing speed, the writer’s fatigue, his visual acuity and posture.

When do you need to teach your child to grip the hand correctly?

As a rule, parents make the mistake of thinking that the child is still small, and during his first artistic experiments they should not interfere with the process. But this needs to be done starting from 3-4 years old. This is the most suitable age for any adjustments and acquisition of stable reflexes .

When the baby creates his masterpieces, you need to unobtrusively and gently show and guide him, and place the writing instrument in his hand as required by the rules. It is clear that you will not succeed right away. Start by giving your child a pen, take his hand in yours, secure the writing utensil, and draw together.

Children really enjoy this pastime. And at the same time, you are slowly moving towards your goal: practicing and automating the skill.

Please note that a child’s incorrect grip of a pencil is a problem that covers the characteristics of his physiological and psychological development.

Show your baby how to hold a pen correctly. Fix his hand on the writing instrument in the correct position with yours and write together.

To successfully learn to write, certain conditions must be met:

• Firstly, the child’s readiness to master a new skill is important. Elementarily, his fingers must be strong enough to hold the handle in the desired position;
• secondly, the child must want to learn how to draw first and then write. This requires motivation and personal example;
• thirdly, success can only be achieved by regularly training and complicating the tasks. The ability to hold a pen (pencil) correctly is the same skill as the ability to walk, talk, sew, knit, etc. The child needs to be shown, told and given the opportunity to constantly improve.

Only if these three conditions are met can you really get the desired result.

There are three main stages in the formation of a skill: Stage 1 - analytical, the main component of which is the isolation and mastery of individual elements of the action, understanding the content. In this case, not only the level of development of the child, the presence of certain knowledge and skills, but also the way of explaining what and how the child should do, the degree of awareness of the action being performed is of great importance...

The second stage is conventionally called synthetic. This is the stage of combining individual elements into a holistic action.

The third stage - automation - is the stage of formation of a skill as an action, which is characterized by a high degree of assimilation and the absence of element-by-element conscious regulation and control. Characteristic features of skill automation are speed, smoothness, and ease.

M. Bezrukikh, Director of the Institute of Age Physiology of the Russian Academy of Education

Teaching basic writing. Methodical manual for copybooks

How to teach a child to hold a pen

If a child is taught to hold a pen correctly at home or in kindergarten before school, he will not have problems completing his first homework. This task is within the reach of every caring parent. There are several simple and accessible ways to help your child quickly master writing and step onto a new stage of learning.

Using an elastic band

A regular pharmaceutical rubber band worn on your wrist will help you master writing. The elastic band is slightly pulled up, a loop is made into which the handle is threaded closer to the cap. This way it will maintain the correct position when writing.

Using a handkerchief or napkin

If the ring and little fingers constantly prevent your baby from grasping a pencil correctly, you can use a small handkerchief or paper napkin. It is folded 4 times and placed on the palm. The last two fingers should press the napkin to your palm. Then you need to correctly grab the pencil with your working fingers. This method will help your child remember how to draw or write correctly.

Using a rubber nozzle

A special rubber attachment with indentations for fingers is available in the office supply department. By putting such an elastic band on the handle, you can control the position of the first-grader’s fingers. He will write with pleasure, because it is both a pen and a fun toy at the same time.

Using a pen for first graders

You can buy a ready-made pen for first graders that has grooves for fingers. This handle is comfortable to hold, and your fingers automatically take the desired position. You can cut such a device yourself from regular elastic. The result is a wonderful simulator that can establish the correct grip and correct handwriting.

Using visual aids

Above the table you can hang a bright diagram showing how to use writing instruments correctly.

Using round pastel sticks or crayons

A great way to use your hand is to draw with small pastel crayons (up to 3 cm long). They are similar in diameter to a pen or pencil. They need to be carefully held with fingers folded into pinch. There is no other way to keep them. This activity is very useful, as it performs a dual function:

• Drawing with bright crayons gives the child pleasure;
• the correct grip is formed, which can be applied to a felt-tip pen or pencil.

Bright line on a child's finger

If none of the above methods helps to establish a relationship between the baby and the writing object, a bright line drawn with a felt-tip pen on the middle finger can come to the rescue. This line must be drawn at an angle, in the place where the handle should be. You can give the activity a playful twist. The child must be explained that the pen must be placed on a bright line. And so that she does not run away, you need to hold her first with your thumb, and on top with your index finger.

First acquaintance with a pencil or pen

From the age of one, the baby learns to manipulate objects. He holds the cutlery with his fist, but he is already confident in using it. Psychologists recommend providing children with creative materials from an early age.

Drawing is important for stimulating imagination and developing fine motor skills. Mom can create small paintings in front of the baby. To do this, just glue a piece of whatman paper to the wall or cabinet. You need to draw with simple lines, schematically.

At one year old, it is still difficult for a child to hold a pencil, so he can take the object in his fist. The main thing is that he sees the connection between his action and the appearance of a line on whatman paper.

The more different pencils a child has, the better: he can choose the color he likes best

The correct grip begins to be formed gradually by the age of one and a half years. To do this, they develop fine motor skills, which will help form fine movements of the hands. Lacing, sorting through small objects, etc. will help with this.

An adult's help at this stage is necessary. He shows the child pencils, markers, wax crayons, paper and gives a sample of use. Let the baby's first drawings resemble a chaotic collection of lines - this is a normal stage.

You can do joint creativity. The parent takes a sheet of paper, draws a bunny on it, talking through each stage, and then invites the child to finish drawing the fur or eyes.

Note! You need to learn to hold a pencil correctly from an early age. The most convenient way to do this is to use suitable objects for drawing. They should be hexagonal, then the fingers will have a comfortable rest.

Drawing lessons on the topic “Tank” for older preschoolers in preschool educational institutions

How to teach a child to hold a pencil

Parents often buy thick, non-standard pencils for first-graders. A pencil that is too long and thin would not be the best option. They are uncomfortable for an adult to hold, and even more so for a child. They should be of standard diameter, not round, but with edges.

A pencil is used in the same way as a pen. The drawing paper should lie directly in front of the child, and not tilted, as when writing. The hand and wrist should move easily, without tension.

How to choose a pen or pencil

The first writing implement for a small child is usually colored pencils. The ideal choice would be pencils with a triangular shaft shape. If you can’t find this option, you should pay attention to pencils with a hexagonal rod. But the worst choice would be pencils whose cores are round.

Children under 3 years old should buy thick pencils with a diameter of about 1 cm. The core should be soft so that you don’t have to put any effort into drawing. But it’s not worth buying a large set. Kids just need to buy a set of 6 colors. Once the basic shades have been mastered, sets of 12 colors can be purchased.

How to hold a pen with your left hand

If a child is better with his left hand, he should not be retrained. The handle is placed on the last phalanx of the middle finger, the index finger holds the handle on top, and the thumb on the right. The remaining fingers are pressed against the palm arbitrarily. If you ask to raise your index finger, and the handle does not change its position, the baby is holding the writing instrument correctly.

Why do errors occur?

The situation when a child incorrectly holds a pen, pencils, or markers while writing is quite common. Where does this problem come from? This habit is formed at a very early age, long before entering school.

It all can start from the period when the child becomes interested in the rattle, holding it in his hand. Then comes the turn of brushes, soft pencils, with which the baby draws scribbles on scrapbook paper.

In addition, the skill of holding writing instruments is developed by working with plasticine or a special test.

Correct pinching and sculpting is done with the right hand, using the thumb, index and middle fingers.

From the age of 4, it is necessary to observe how the child draws. Some kids hold a pencil in their fist. Others squeeze the writing instrument with excessive force.

The process of forming a grip cannot be left to chance. If a child holds markers the way he wants, then he will have to be retrained at school. The sooner the correct grip is formed, the easier the first grader will be able to adapt to school.

By the age of 6, children should already be able to use a pencil, even if it is just drawing patterns in copybooks or tracing block letters. Moreover, parents need to constantly monitor the correctness of the letter in order to prevent relearning.

Exercises

In order for a first-grader to be able to properly use a writing instrument, classes must begin at the age of 2-5. Simple exercises combined with games will help you develop finger dexterity in the future.

You can offer your child:

• collect beads with your fingers and put them in a box;
• tie bows on laces, knots on strings;
• wipe the drawn lines with a small rubber band;
• cut out small parts from paper using safety scissors and make a mosaic out of them;
• shade pictures for coloring with a pencil;
• draw patterns, geometric shapes (triangles, squares, circles, etc.);
• collect constructor;
• fasten buttons, etc.

Some exercises can be done as a game. At this time, it is important to control the position of the baby's fingers.

Spider game

The child’s hands are funny spiders, and his fingers are their paws. They should be asked to “run” around the table. Stomp, jump. Ask your child to let the “spiders” say hello with their paws and draw something with crayons. This exercise will help relieve tension in the fingers and distract the child from routine exercises.

At what age should a child be taught?

Teachers advise showing children the correct position of a pencil or felt-tip pen as soon as they become interested in these objects.

But at an early age (1-2.5 years), fine motor skills are poorly developed, so it may be difficult for a child to hold a pen with several fingers.

To prepare your baby for writing, you need to:

• perform finger exercises;
• roll or string beads on a thread;
• make paper appliqués;
• untie simple knots;
• crush toys of different shapes in your hands.

At 3 years old you can include activities such as:

• sewing on buttons or braiding hair;
• painting over large coloring elements;
• completing the drawing of the figure along the contour;
• assembly of large construction sets;
• modeling from plasticine.

At the age of 4, full-fledged education is already possible. You can show the correct position of the hand by your own example or clasp the child’s hand, placing the fingers in the right places.

How to sit at a desk correctly

It is not enough just to teach a child to hold a pen correctly, you need to teach him to sit correctly at the table. Correct posture is the basis of a student’s health.

It is necessary to select the correct height of the student’s table and chair. The chair must have a back, the table must have adjustable legs and a lid.

The child's bent legs at the knees should form a right angle. Place your feet on the floor or on a small stand. Your back should be straight, your hands should be on the table.

The child should not lie with his chest on the table. The distance between the body and the table should be 2 cm. The notebook should be tilted 30 degrees relative to the body.

What can happen if you hold a pencil incorrectly?

It is very important to teach your child to hold a pencil correctly in his hand, because holding it incorrectly can lead to negative consequences, both psychological and medical. For example:

• deterioration of posture due to incorrect position of the body when writing;
• blurred vision;
• rapid fatigue when writing, shading and drawing;
• increased fatigue;
• frequent spasms of the muscles of the hand;
• negative attitude towards written work, refusal to do it;
• lack of neat calligraphic handwriting;
• decline in school performance.