The Parent's Tips Blog

By Gail Gill

 Before your child begins her formal schooling, you can help her to begin to write. Your young child may love to draw, however she may be holding the pencil incorrectly. It is important to show your child how to hold a pencil and encourage her to draw.

 The more your child practices drawing and holding her pencil, the more skilled she will become. Here are a few hints to help you encourage your child to become skilful at drawing and using a pencil.

 Purchase Triangular shaped Pencils

Purchase triangular shaped pencils for your young child. She will be able to develop her grip more easily if she uses triangular shaped pencils. Triangular shaped pencils are an ideal learning tool for both left-handed and right-handed children. You can purchase triangular shaped pencils from office suppliers, toyshops and art shops.

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 Show your Child how to Hold a Pencil

Your child needs to rest her finger on one of the sides of the triangle and her thump on another side of the triangle. The tip of her finger and the tip of her thumb should be an equal distance apart.

 Although both left-handed children and right-handed children use the same grip, a left-handed child should grip the pencil slightly higher from the tip than a right-handed child should. Holding the pencil in this position will give the left-handed child more control over her pencil.

 Do not expect your young child to hold her pencil correctly every time she uses one. Your child may forget how to hold a pencil and grasp it by curling her fingers completely around it. It takes practice to control a pencil, so be patient with your child and praise her when she holds the pencil correctly. Your child will be more eager to practice holding a pencil if you give her plenty of praise.

 Exercises to Help your Child Develop her Skills

Once your child uses her pencil correctly when she draws, give her exercises to help develop her skill. Write the child’s name on a piece of paper using a dotted line. Let the child trace over your writing. She will become accustomed to writing her name by tracing over your letters. Soon, your young child will be capable of writing her own name without your help.

 Buy your child activity books to help improve her pencil control. Coloring books, mazes, join-the-dots books, and tracing books will all help your child improve her co-ordination while she is having fun.

 Purchase triangular shaped pencils for your child, show her the correct method of holding a pencil, and give her exercises to help her develop her skills. Do not forget to give your child plenty of praise when she holds her pencil correctly. You will soon be pleasantly surprised to see how your child’s pencil control has improved.