Development of Handwriting Grasps
Handwriting is an essential skill that begins early in life. It starts as simple scribbles on paper but will evolve to become the foundation of almost all schoolwork. Handwriting requires collaboration between many complex skills such as hand-eye coordination, strength throughout the arm and core, endurance, and overall motor control. The fine motor coordination required for handwriting begins with the child’s pencil grip development. As your child develops, their handwriting grasp will continue to change to become more efficient. Though all children develop differently, we have included the typical progression of a child’s handwriting grasp.
1-2 years:
Palmar Supinate Grasp (Power Grasp)
Your child will hold pencil with the whole hand and uses the shoulder to move the pencil.
(Erhardt, 1982)
2-3years:
Digital Pronate Grasp
Hand faces down and towards the table with the pencil across their palm.
(Erhardt, 1982)
3-4 Years:
Static Tripod Grasp
The wrist shows more movement than the fingers with the first fingers in a tripod position on the pencil.
(Erhardt, 1982)
Static Quadrupod Grasp
The wrist shows more movement than the fingers and involves the first four fingers around the pencil.
(Erhardt, 1982)
4-6 years:
Mature Pencil Grasps: These four grasps have been identified as functional and may all be considered acceptable when comparing to the commonly preferred dynamic tripod grip.
Dynamic Tripod Grasp (Most commonly recommended): This grasp utilizes the first 3 fingers in a tripod positioning on the pencil.
Dynamic Quadrupod: This grasp is similar to the dynamic tripod grasp but involves the first 4 fingers instead of the first 3 fingers.
Lateral (Thumb) Tripod: With this grasp the thumb is up against the outside of the index finger and may cross over the top of the pencil. The index and middle finger are primarily moving the utensil since the thumb is less involved and the wrist is in a more bent up position.
Lateral Quadrupod: This grasp is similar to the lateral tripod grasp however it includes a fourth (ring) finger on the writing utensil to perform writing movements.
When a child is having difficulty mastering their handwriting grasp it could be an indication of a developmental concern. Occupational therapy is commonly referred to when the child’s handwriting performance interferes with their written schoolwork. Speak to your child’s teacher or your pediatrician with any concerns and to see if a referral to an occupational therapist is appropriate. You can also reach out to speak to our occupational therapist via email at aubrey@collaborativecorner.org
Resources:
Erhardt RP (1982) Developmental hand dysfunction: theory, assessment, treatment. Laurel, MD: Ramsco.
Schwellnus, Heidi & Carnahan, Heather & Kushki, Azadeh & Polatajko, Helene & Missiuna, Cheryl & Chau, Tom. (2012). Effect of Pencil Grasp on the Speed and Legibility of Handwriting in Children. The American journal of occupational therapy: official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association. 66. 718-26. 10.5014/ajot.2012.004515.
Aubrey Kohler, OTR/L, DRS
Occupational Therapist
aubrey@collaborativecorner.org