Adaptive tripod grip
How to form the adaptive tripod pencil grip for handwriting
1.
- To start with it is easier to teach this grip using both hands
- With the palm of the writing hand above the table and facing down towards it, spread the fingers out wide.
- Holding the top end of the pencil vertically in the other hand place the pencil in between and at the base of the index and middle fingers about half way up the shaft of the pencil.
2.
- Gently close the fingers together and pull the shaft of the pencil back towards you from the vertical to about 45 degrees.
3.
- Twist the hand inwards vertically 90 degrees and grip either side of the pencil with the tips of the thumb and index finger about 2 cm up from the tip (pincer grip).
4.
- Move the middle finger so that the pencil shaft rests on its top inner edge. Keep the ring and little finger gently curled in.
5.
- Twist the hand back 90 degrees to start writing.
The adaptive tripod pencil grip - drawbridge flip method
1.
- Place the pencil on the table in front of the writing hand, so it forms a straight line up the table with the writing tip of the pencil pointing towards you.
- Then using the tip of the thumb and inner edge of the middle finger pinch the pencil either side of the shaft about 2 cm up from the tip.
2.
- Pick the pencil up off the table and rotate the wrist back so the pencil falls in between the index and middle finger and rests at the ‘V’ shaped base of the two fingers.
- Slide the middle finger under the pencil shaft and place the index finger on top of the shaft to form the pincer grip.
- Keep the ring and little finger gently curled in.
3.
- When writing, the wrist should be flat on the table with the pencil shaft angled at about 45 degrees.