Handwriting/Weak pencil grasp

My son in K has a very weak pencil grasp. The school OT said he has weak upper body strength. He does not receive any services, and I was told to work on it at home for now. His handwriting has greatly improved since starting K, but it's still weak. Does anyone have any ideas I can do with him at home? The school didn't give me much direction.

Thank You.

Re: Handwriting/Weak pencil grasp

There are lots of things you can do at home. I would get a pencil grip (I like the crossover grip). They are marked with "R" on one side and "L" on the other. If he is right handed his thumb goes on the "R" if left handed his thumb goes on the "L". I would also get the Kindergarten or 1st grade Handwriting Without Tears handwriting workbook and do a little of it each week. This will correct his grasp and reinforce proper handwriting techniques to promote automaticity in writing.

You can also providing him with lots of activities to boost hand strength and hand skills such as arts and crafts (coloring, cutting, pasting, crumpling tissue paper...), puzzles, using a little spray bottle to water a plant or remove chalk drawing from sidewalk, games like pop up pirate, operation, Legos, etc...

Handwriting/Weak pencil grasp

Agree will all that was said above. Definitely get some sort of grip for the pencil. That will help with finger placement. DD's OT has her practice writing on a vertical board (like an easel) . Something with the angle help strengthen her grip.

Handwriting/Weak pencil grasp

My son also has a weak grasp. Pencil weights (bought on Amazon) and a grip help a bit.

Re: Handwriting/Weak pencil grasp

Thanks everyone!

Re: Handwriting/Weak pencil grasp

My dd has a weak grip and low muscle tone in her upper body. Right now in ot they have her writing on an easel a lot it really helps her with the control and her grasp. They also let her practice with a whole puncher to build up strength in her grasp.

Re: Handwriting/Weak pencil grasp

I brought my DD to OT outside of school for the same problem, because I didn't like how she was holding the pencil. They also said she could help with cooking (mixing, cracking eggs, opening packages, carrying dishes & bowls, etc. all help build hand strength). The OT also said to have her hold a bead in the palm of her hand while writing with the pencil, as it would force her to use more muscles to hold the pencil.