Copy of The Pencil Grasp Challenge

Welcome to The OT Toolbox’s well-loved Pencil Grasp Challenge!

About The Pencil Grasp Challenge

The Pencil Grasp Challenge is a hands-on learning challenge that we’ve run annually here on The OT Toolbox. Historically, we’ve only run this challenge in January, right around National Handwriting Day (January 23rd).

It’s a series of 5 learning sessions that include information, a printable resource, and a specific activity that promotes fine motor skills. We’ve now put this challenge into The OT Toolbox Membership so you can access the materials and run through the challenge at any time.

The challenge is also available as a single purchase for non-members.

In the paid version of the Pencil Grasp Challenge, you’ll get access to:

1. Five lessons that break down pencil grasp into actionable activities
2. Five Observation Sheets and Data Collection Sheets to track progress on the underlying areas that make up a functional pencil grasp
3. Challenge Intro Workbook
4. Pencil Grasp Play Book- Play-based activities and checklists to foster pencil grasp and fine motor skills ($8 value)
5. Pencil Grasp Bundle ($42 value)
6. Certificate of Completion for 1.2 contact hours

Why a Pencil Grasp Challenge?

We started this challenge because we wanted to offer information and resources along with a fun, activity-based series of learning sessions. The challenge is designed to learn as you go, and you can support the needs of a specific individual as you go through the challenge.

You have told me about the struggles you see with kids using and maintaining a functional pencil grasp when writing. Some of you need to know where to begin. Others are looking for fresh ideas to ensure carry over of skills. Still others want to know if a pencil grasp can or should be changed. This challenge is designed to provide daily activities and tips that will address pencil grasp needs.

What will you learn in the challenge?

Challenge Modules and Lessons:

1. Intro Lesson
   • How the challenge works and important information
2. Pencil Grasp Challenge #1: Action Fingers and Power Fingers
   • Separation of the sides of the hand information in pencil grasp
   • Specific activity, observation sheet, activity sheet, data collection sheet
3. Pencil Grasp Challenge #2: Functional Grasp
   • Information on functional grasp
   • Open thumb web space information in pencil grasp
   • Specific activity, observation sheet, activity sheet, data collection sheet
4. Pencil Grasp Challenge #3: Grasp Patterns
   • Information on grasp patterns
   • Information on wrist extension in pencil grasp
   • Specific activity, observation sheet, activity sheet, data collection sheet
5. Pencil Grasp Challenge #4: Distal Mobility:
   • Handwriting research
   • Information on distal mobility in pencil grasp
   • Specific activity, observation sheet, activity sheet, data collection sheet
6. Pencil Grasp Challenge #5: In-Hand Manipulation
   • Putting it all together
   • Information on in-hand manipulation in pencil grasp
   • Specific activity, observation sheet, activity sheet, data collection sheet