Your child's first experience with coloring and writing will likely be with crayons. How he holds the crayon is significant because a proper grip makes it easier to control his movements. Occupational therapists recommend that children be taught the dynamic tripod grip, which involves holding a crayon or pencil between the pads of the thumb and forefinger with it resting on the middle finger, according to OTility magazine. It is best to teach the proper grip early on, when your child first begins coloring or writing, so he does not have to relearn it when he starts school.
Step 1
Hand your child a crayon. Hold the crayon toward the middle or bottom so he has to take hold near the tip of the crayon.
Step 2
Watch how your child positions the crayon in her hand. In particular, take note of whether the crayon is positioned between the pads of the thumb and forefinger and where it is resting.
Step 3
Correct your child's grip on the crayon if it is incorrect. You may have to demonstrate the proper grip as well as reposition the crayon in his hand.
Step 4
Have your child color or scribble on a piece of paper. Watch her color to ensure she continues with an appropriate grip and does not reposition the crayon in her hand.
Step 5
Break the crayon in half if your child has trouble with the proper grip. Occupational therapists often recommend this because the smaller size of the crayon will help force your child to hold it correctly, according to Education.com
Tips and Warnings
- Some children use a modified grasp in which the crayon or pencil rests on the pad of the thumb and the pads of the forefinger and middle finger while resting on the ring finger. This is an efficient grasp that does not need to be corrected, according to the Plano Independent School District Special Education Services department. Other pencil grasps are an inefficient way to hold and use a pencil and should be corrected if possible. Even before your child is old enough to draw or write, you can help build fine motor skills by feeding him small finger foods such as cereal or playing games where he sorts items or laces beads on string, according to Education.com. Jumbo-sized crayons designed for younger children may be easier for your child to grasp for coloring, which will better allow for the proper grip. Transition to regular-sized crayons when your child has mastered the proper grip and uses crayons with ease.
- If your child develops blisters or red marks on the middle finger where the crayon rests, she is gripping it too tightly. Another sign the grip is too tight is white knuckles while she is coloring, according to Parent Child Education.
