pencil grasp

Activities for Teaching Colors

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teaching colors

There are so many ways to include multisensory play in teaching colors to children. Here, you’ll find hands-on, creative ways to teach colors of the rainbow using play that helps kids develop skills, move, and grow. Use these color activities in preschool or to teach toddlers colors. It’s a fun way to develop visual discrimination skills in young children.

Teaching colors and coloring goes hand-in-hand. Our resource on the best crayons for toddlers is a huge help, especially when deciding on the type of crayon to use at the age of teaching colors to toddlers and young children.

Multisensory activities to teach colors to toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners.

I’m including color activities for kindergarten and school-aged children, as well, because this color themes can be used in therapy activities or to help kids develop handwriting, or visual motor skills in the older grades. There is a lot of fun, hands-on activities listed here that help children learn colors and explore through play!

Activities to teach colors to toddlers

Teaching Colors to Toddlers

Toddler play and development is all about the hands-on exploration of the world. We have a lot of toddler activities designed to develop motor skills and learning here on the website that you’ll want to check out.

To teach colors to toddlers, it’s all about making things fun. These toddler activities will get you started with hands-on development activities.

So many color activities in the toddler years involve sorting colors, identifying colors, and pointing out colors. All of these activities lay the building blocks for visual discrimination that kids will use in reading and writing down the road.

Try these activities for teaching colors to toddlers:

Toddler Color Sorting with Toys– This activity uses toys and items that are found around the home, making the color identification part of every day life. You can use items that the child uses and sees every day.

Teach Color Sorting Activity– This simple color sorting activity is great for families that have a preschooler and a toddler. The preschooler can cut foam sheets and work on scissor skills and then both the preschooler and toddler can sort the paper scraps by color. This is a nice activity that allows siblings to work together to learn concepts and grow skills together.

Color Sort Busy Bag– Toddlers love to drop items into containers, and put things into buckets, bins, and bags…and then take them back out again. It’s all part of the learning process! This color sorting busy bag gives toddlers colored craft sticks or dyed lollipop sticks and has them sort by color. It’s a great activity for developing fine motor skills and coordination, too.

Cup Sorting for Toddlers– This color sorting activity uses items in the home, like plastic toddler cups! There is just something about toddlers playing in the kitchen with baby-safe items…and this one builds pre-literacy and pre-math skills that they will use long down the road…through play!

Talk about colors– Pointing out colors during play, conversation, in reading books, and going for walks…there are so many ways to teach colors to babies and toddlers through everyday conversation. It’s as simple as saying, “look at that blue flower” to add descriptive terms to kids.

Color with painting– Incorporate all of the colors of the rainbow in multisensory activities from a young age. These art play activities incorporates colors into play and learning through art with toddlers.

Teach colors with a ball pit– Use ball pit balls in a baby pool. You can bring a baby pool indoors as a baby ball pit to teach colors. Here are other ball pit activities that can be used to teach colors.

Teaching colors to preschoolers with multisensory learning activities

Teaching Colors in Preschool

In the preschool stage, learning occurs through play! These color learning activities are designed to promote learning through hands-on exploration, because those are the ways that learning “sticks”…when hands are busy and developing motor skills that they will later need for holding and writing with a pencil. Let’s look at some ways to teach colors in the preschool years:

Color by Letter Worksheets– These are great for the preschool age because they are getting the exposure to letters in uppercase and lowercase format but not through writing. the coloring builds hand strength and fine motor skills needed in kindergarten and beyond.

Teaching Shapes and Colors with Rainbow Rocks by Fun-A-Day- This activity is fun because it uses the heavy weight of rocks to teach colors and shapes. But, kids are also strengthening their hands and gaining motor feedback about objects as they explore colors and other discriminating factors like weight and size.

Color and shape sorting– This preschool color sorting activity gives kids fine motor experiences with wikki stix. Ask preschoolers to copy the shapes, too for extra fine motor skill building and visual motor integration.

Fine Motor Color Sort– Grab an old spice container or cheese container, and some straws. This color sorting activity lays the groundwork for fine motor skill development and math skills. Kids can count the straws as they drop into the container and work on sorting colors while developing open thumb web space, separation of the sides of the hand and arch strength.

Color Matching Water Bin– This color learning activity is a sensory motor activity that also teaches letters. It’s perfect for preschool and kindergarten or even older grades as kids are immersed in multi- sensory learning with letters and pre-reading skills.

Clothespin Color Match– Children will love this fine motor activity that builds hand strength in a big way.

Bear Sees Colors Book and Activity– We used a snack to explore colors with a beloved preschool book. This is multisensory learning at its finest.

Gross Motor Color Games– There are many ways to explore and teach colors using games. Try some of these to add movement and play into learning colors at the preschool level:

  • Color I Spy- Call out a color and kids can run to touch something that is that color. Add variations of movement by asking kids to skip, hop, leap, crawl, or bear walk to touch the colors.
  • Color Simon Says- Call out directions based on clothing colors that kids are wearing. Add as many variations of movement and auditory challenges. This is a great activity for building working memory skills in preschoolers.
  • Color Tag- Kids can play tag and when they tag another player, they need to say a color for that person to go to. Another variation is having the players who are tagged run to a color that the tagger calls out.
Teaching colors to kindergarten children with multisensory learning activities.

Kindergarten Color Activities

At the kindergarten level, children are moving beyond basic color naming and into more advanced use of color in learning. At this stage of development, most children can consistently identify and name common colors, and they begin to understand how color relates to academic tasks such as sorting, categorizing, and following multi-step directions.

From a developmental perspective, kindergarteners are refining:

  • Color discrimination (noticing subtle differences between shades)
  • Conceptual understanding (recognizing that objects can be different colors)
  • Language use (describing and comparing colors)
  • Application of color knowledge in structured tasks

Color learning at this stage supports reading readiness, math concepts, and classroom participation. Children are often expected to follow directions such as “circle the green object” or “underline the word in red,” which requires both recognition and functional use of color.

Kindergarten Color Activities

  • Color-coded math sorting (by shape and color)
  • Graphing objects by color
  • Color pattern creation with blocks or beads
  • Following multi-step directions using color cues
  • Color scavenger hunts with written checklists
  • Color mixing experiments with paints
  • Sorting classroom objects into colored bins
  • Color-coded center activities
  • Matching shades and gradients
  • Color word recognition and labeling
  • Highlighting sight words by color
  • Directed drawing using specific colors
  • Color-coded obstacle courses
  • Using colored manipulatives for math problems
  • Sorting and categorizing by multiple attributes (color + size)

Teach Colors in Kindergarten and older grades

Once children are school-aged, teaching colors doesn’t end. In the school years, children explore color mixing, learning about primary colors, and more. Look at all of these color experiences that kids learn during the school years:

  • Spelling color names
  • Learning Primary Colors
  • Learning secondary colors
  • Color mixing
  • Color theory
  • Color wheel
  • Complimentary colors

Preschool Color Activities

Teaching colors in preschool is a huge part of the curriculum.

Teaching Colors to Preschoolers

In preschool, children are just beginning to develop the ability to recognize and name colors. This stage is focused on exposure, repetition, and meaningful interaction with color in everyday activities.

Developmentally, preschoolers are building:

  • Visual perception skills (noticing differences in color)
  • Early language development (learning color names)
  • Attention and memory (recalling color information)
  • Concept formation (understanding color as a property)

At this stage, children may recognize a color before they can name it. They also commonly confuse similar colors or use color names inconsistently. This is a normal part of development.

Why Teaching Colors Matters in Preschool

Teaching colors in preschool supports:

  • Early communication skills
  • Following simple directions
  • Participation in play and routines
  • Preparation for academic tasks

Color learning is most effective when it is embedded in play and daily experiences rather than taught in isolation.

How to Teach Colors to Preschoolers

  • Use repetition in daily routines (e.g., “Here is your blue cup”)
  • Focus on one or two colors at a time
  • Pair colors with familiar objects
  • Use hands-on, sensory-based activities
  • Keep learning playful and engaging
  • Color sorting with large objects
  • Matching colored blocks or toys
  • Simple color scavenger hunts
  • Finger painting with one or two colors
  • Color matching with stickers
  • Sorting pom-poms by color
  • Matching colored cups and objects
  • Color-themed sensory bins
  • Color hop games (jump to the color called out)
  • Matching colored shapes
  • Using dot markers for color matching
  • Sorting crayons by color
  • Color I Spy activities
  • Matching colored puzzle pieces
  • Rolling and matching colored balls

Try some of these color activities for older children:

Color I Spy free therapy slide deck- This color themed scavenger hunt will get kids up and moving, using the items they have in their home as they work on visual perceptual skills, handwriting, and more. Kids can visually scan around their home to match the colors on the slide deck. Then, there is a handwriting component. This is a great slide deck for anyone working on handwriting skills with kids, virtually.

Color Exercises– Use gross motor exercises and stretches as well as fine motor exercises to get kids moving while working on SO many skill areas: bilateral coordination, motor planning, strengthening, core strength, precision, dexterity, visual motor skills…

Rainbow Deep Breathing Exercise– This free printable PDF is super popular. There’s a reason why: kids love the deep breathing activity and We love the mindfulness, coping skills, calming, and regulation benefits. Great for all ages.

Rainbow Binoculars Craft– Kids can use paper towel tubes in a craft that helps them look for and identify colors. Use these rainbow binoculars in visual scanning, visual discrimination, visual figure-ground, and other perceptual skills.

Colored pencils activities– All you need is a couple of colored pencils (or substitute with a regular pencil if that’s all you’ve got on hand) to work on pencil control, line awareness, pencil pressure, and letter formation.

Benefits of coloring with crayons– Just grab a box of crayons and build so many fine motor and visual motor skills.

Make crayon play dough– Explore colors with heavy work input through the hands and arms using all the colors of the rainbow. This crayon play dough recipe is a popular sensory recipe here on the website.

Key Differences Between Preschool and Kindergarten Color Learning

  • Preschool focuses on exposure, recognition, and early naming
  • Kindergarten focuses on consistency, application, and use in academic tasks

Understanding this progression helps ensure that activities are developmentally appropriate and support functional skill development.

One activity book we love is our Colors Handwriting Kit:

Colors Handwriting Kit

Rainbow Handwriting Kit– This resource pack includes handwriting sheets, write the room cards, color worksheets, visual motor activities, and so much more. The handwriting kit includes:

  • Write the Room, Color Names: Lowercase Letters
  • Write the Room, Color Names: Uppercase Letters
  • Write the Room, Color Names: Cursive Writing
  • Copy/Draw/Color/Cut Color Worksheets
  • Colors Roll & Write Page
  • Color Names Letter Size Puzzle Pages
  • Flip and Fill A-Z Letter Pages
  • Colors Pre-Writing Lines Pencil Control Mazes
  • This handwriting kit now includes a bonus pack of pencil control worksheets, 1-10 fine motor clip cards, visual discrimination maze for directionality, handwriting sheets, and working memory/direction following sheet! Valued at $5, this bonus kit triples the goal areas you can work on in each therapy session or home program.

Click here to get your copy of the Colors Handwriting Kit.

Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

Types of Pencil Grips

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pencil grips

Pencil grips, pencil grips, pencil grips, there are so many types of pencil grips! Do I try this grip or that one? Does this child really need a pencil grip? Will they use this pencil grip? Will it be used correctly if they use it in the classroom? Ugh! So much to decide and so many variables to consider when it comes to handwriting. It is overwhelming! Does this sound like you in your practice as an OT? I’ve been there, and I’ve said these things to myself, and sometimes even to others. This post is here to help you decide what pencil grips to try and why!

Pencil grips

Types of Pencil Grips

In this blog post, we’ll dive into pencil grips occupational therapy practitioners may offer as a tool to support handwriting needs.

We’ll address types of pencil grips (with links for purchase) and why each pencil grip is used.

Finally, we’ll cover a variety of related resources and activities to support the development of pencil grip use.

To further explore pencil grasp development, take a look at our blog post, Pencil Grasp Development and get this great Pencil Grasp Quick Visual Guide, which helps Occupational Therapists identify and explain grasp patterns, using pictures to educate, and explain how pencil grasps progress developmentally.

The visuals will help parents and teachers understand grasp development and the goals for an appropriate grasping pattern. My prediction is that these tools will help get buy-in from the educational team and the family. It helps them understand exactly where the child is developmentally and where you, as the OT, wants the learner to head, and why! 

pencil grips and Occupational Therapy

First, let me begin by saying that pencil grips are NOT a miracle cure for pencil grasp. They can help in certain circumstances based on the child’s individual needs.

Different types of pencil grips do not help to overcome the root of the inefficient grasp, as these issues must be addressed simultaneously, while implementing the gripper. 

In occupational therapy sessions, the OT practitioner is striving to achieve the most effective and functional pencil grasp for each individual. A therapist may have 40, 50, or even 70 students on their school-based OT caseload…and each student will be completely different when it comes to grasp patterns, pencil pressure, positioning of the fingers, preferences, letter formation strokes, executive functioning skills, self-regulation, visual motor skills, sensory preferences, and handwriting considerations. All of these areas play into handwriting.

To meet the needs of the individual student, a pencil grip may be supplied as a tool to support those individual needs.

Before we get into the various types of pencil grips you may see an occupational therapy practitioner recommend, it’s important to cover functional pencil grip.

Pencil grips are designed to support the most functional and efficient pencil grasp a child can achieve.

This is based on many factors including; their current skill level, motivation, and understanding that the pencil grasp should be efficient and effective, but NOT perfect.

Functional grasps have a few basic components, which include; an open web space, skill fingers holding the pencil (thumb, first, and middle fingers), and stability (achieved with the ring and little fingers being curled securely into the palm). This results in an efficient and functional tripod grasp for the most success with handwriting, drawing, and coloring.

Inefficient grasps are used as a child attempts to compensate for lack of stability, skill finger strength, and endurance. With this inefficient grasp comes fatigue, pain, stress on the joints, decreased writing speed and overall legibility.

A pencil grip may be a tool provided to support a functional pencil grasp, depending on the needs of the individual student.

Think of pencil grips as a supplemental tool to aid a child as they continue to work on building the hand and finger skills needed to achieve an independent and efficient grasp.

The type of pencil grip can also serve to support the child as they focus on the writing process, therefore not exhausting their thought and energy, trying to remember to grasp the pencil properly for the best function. 

The OT Toolbox has a great Pencil Grasp Bundle available for purchase to support various needs related to pencil grasp.

types of pencil grips

Now, without further ado, let’s proceed to types of pencil grips that most OTs recommend, what their purpose is, and why they are recommended!

There are so many types of pencil grips out there on the market. Some of those listed out include:

  • Trigangle pencil grip
  • Grotto pencil grip
  • Soft foam pencil grip (Classic foam pencil grip)
  • The Pencil Grip
  • Crossover Gripper
  • The Writing C.L.A.W.
  • Firesara Grip
  • Twist n’ Write
  • Handiwriter
  • Write Right Stylus
  • Stetro Gripper
  • Weighted pencil grip

This is just a start of all of the types of pencil grips out there. We’ll go into greater detail on the benefits of each pencil grips, and why you would select one grip over another.

Let’s get started!

Amazon affiliate links are included below for purchase of various types of pencil grips.

Sometimes the easiest way to ensure a better grip on a pencil is by getting a smaller pencil into those hands. Golf pencils are some of the best tools for smaller hands, as they are the right size. The use of larger pencils and crayons leads to compensatory grasping patterns, as they are too long and too heavy for little hands to grasp and hold for long periods of time.  A typical sized pencil in the hands of a child, is the equivalent of an adult trying to use a 12 inch pencil!

The physical size of hands and biomechanics of the muscles and joints in a child’s hand can’t possibly hold a large writing instrument unless they grasp it with compensatory efforts. This generally results in inefficient and ineffective grasps.  Younger learners have far more maladaptive pencil grasp patterns than older adults, due to the young age at which learners are instructed to write. 40 years ago, writing did not begin until first grade. That gave the hands time to develop. Now writing starts in the two year old class, or in preschool many times. It’s because of the early push to trace, copy, and write letters in preschool that we see poor pencil grips established.

The Pencil Grip

This grip, simply called “the pencil grip”, is an oldie, but a goodie for some children. It is designed to provide cushiony comfort, with proper finger placement indicators for left AND right-handed writers. The Pencil Grip helps learners gain improved pencil control, while reducing fatigue. This type of pencil grip supports an open web space and tripod grasp. The pencil grip comes in mini, standard, and jumbo sizes, making it available for a variety of children and adults. Recently, I have been unable to find the mini-sizes. 

The crossover grip

Honestly, this grip is essentially “The Pencil Grip”, with a wing on the front to help prevent the fingers and thumb from wrapping over the pencil shaft. This helps keep the web space open. The crossover grip will aid some children who do not have a strong thumb overwrap pattern yet. If their thumb overwrap is significant, this grip may not be the one for them, as it allows a wrap grasp with little resistance. It is cushiony and does not prevent the learner from wrapping their thumb over the material.

The Grotto Pencil grip

This type of grip is great for the children that have a thumb wrap grasp which closes up their web space. The Grotto Grip is not as cushiony as “The Pencil Grip”, but it is easier to use, as it has molded finger slots for the thumb and index fingers, and an indentation on the bottom for the grip to rest on the middle finger. It also has a wing on the front, and the material is stiffer in design, which can help aid in the prevention of any finger or thumb wrapping.

Left and right-handed writers can easily use the Grotto Grip, as the finger placement is exactly the same, making it less confusing for children to know where their fingers should be placed while using it. 

The Writing Claw pencil grip

This grip has three finger cups to support finger placement, and can be used by both left and right-handed writers with a simple change of finger placement within the cups. The finger placement indicators are on the bottom of each cup. The design leaves little room for error, and supports a variety of children, as it comes in three different sizes.

The Writing C.L.A.W. fits a wide variety of writing, drawing and coloring tools such as standard pencils, primary pencils, crayons, markers, and paint brushes!

Firesara Pencil Grip

This grip is similar to the Writing C.L.A.W. as it has two cups for the thumb and index fingers, but it has a ring for the placement of the middle finger. The Firesara Grip can easily be used by left and right-handed writers. Learners place their thumb and index fingers into the cups, and the middle finger goes into the ring finger of either hand.

Using this grip, helps the three fingers to be fixed tightly to the pencil shaft. The Firesara type of grip is made of soft, durable silicone.

Twist and Write pencil grips

The Twist n’ Write, also called the Rocket Pencil, is not a pencil grip, but a pencil that has a wishbone-shaped design. This helps fingers to be placed into a tripod grasp with little guidance. It has rubbery sides that double as erasers! The pencil twists at the bottom to push forward more lead. It needs a special tool to add more lead, which makes it a little less efficient for use. It is often easier to buy multiple pencils rather than trying to replace the lead. The pencil design is for not for tiny hands, but is effective for finger placement without the use of a pencil grip, making it more motivating to use.

The Twist n’ Write pencil can easily be used by left and right-handed writers. Some learners or teachers might not like the rocket pencil, because it looks so different from traditional pencils.

Handiwriter Pencil Grip

This is not really a type of grip, but rather a position support for the pencil. There are some children who hold the pencil vertically instead of at an angle, or have a thumb overwrap grasp with a closed web space. The Handiwriter positions the pencil at the correct angle within the hand. This pencil positioner helps to reposition the pencil within the web space, by pulling the pencil back into the web space, while promoting improved finger placement on the pencil shaft.

The “charm” on the commercially purchased Handiwriter is grasped by the ring and pinky fingers, and curled into the palm, providing increased hand stability. These can purchased as pictured, but can also be made with or without the charm support, by using two terry cloth hair bands using these directions, or by following the visual sequence for creating one using elastic bands. 

Stylus with pencil grip attached

You can put a grip on an existing tablet stylus, or buy get his great stylus that has a gripper on it! I tried this device with some of the kiddos I work with, and it worked well with the added index finger placement into the cup that is on the shaft of the stylus.

The Write Right Stylus will only work if the index finger is properly placed into the cup, and ensures proper positioning when using a tablet or screen for writing tasks. This placement helps to promote a tripod grasp. The symmetrical design allows it be used by left and right-handed writers. 

Stetro Pencil Grip
  • Stetro (affiliate link)- This pencil grip is efficient when The Pencil Grip is too large and the individual benefits from a smaller “target” to pinch the pencil.
Traditional triangle pencil grip
  • Traditional Triangle (affiliate link)- the Traditional triangle grip is a common pencil grip that is offered to the whole classroom from teachers, parent teacher groups, or in back-to-school kits. The triangular sides offer a flat placement for the fingers, but this grip may not work for all individuals. One therapy tip is to cut the triangle grip in half or in thirds and use the triangular ridges as bumps on the pencil to stop the fingers from moving too close to the pencil point. This way the ridges bring awareness for placement.

  • Weighted pencil (affiliate link) grips- Pencils with weighted added on are typically an adaptation to support specific needs related to tone, proprioceptive sensory input, tremors. Read about pencil pressure and the benefit of adding a weighted pencil grip for more information.
Classic foam pencil grip

Adaptive Pencil Grips

The alternative pencil grasp pattern that is successful for many kiddos who simply cannot achieve an efficient grasp is use of an adaptive tripod grasp, or any grasp which enables a functional grip on the pencil. There are adaptive pencil grips that support various needs.

For those struggling to manipulate, use, position, and write with a pencil grip during written output, sometimes an alternative grip is the answer.

There are several alternative grasps for pencil manipulation.

The Adaptive Tripod Grip is appropriate to use when low muscle tone or hyper mobility of the finger joints limits pinching and manipulating the pencil.

It is easy to achieve, and I often use it if I am writing a lot. My husband uses it all of the time, and has since grade school.

In the adaptive tripod grasp, the child places the pencil between the index and middle fingers rather than within the traditional web space. They grasp the pencil shaft with the thumb, index, and middle fingers. The placement of the pencil between the index and middle fingers provides ample support and stability allowing for good pencil control, and less hand and finger fatigue. 

This grasp pattern is similar to the “Rocket Pencil” described above. This can be used with different types of pencil grips if needed. 

When pencil grips are uncomfortable

One final note on the use of pencil grips, they WILL be uncomfortable to use at first. Learners are having to utilize the correct finger and hand muscles.

They are not used to using them in this way, therefore they will be uncomfortable and met with resistance. With this discomfort comes less motivation and desire to use.

Rest assured, the use of the right pencil grip, when coupled with the activities you are using to get to the root of the problem, will help.

Be patient, encouraging, and rewarding to your learners, as they work on these skills. A good grasping pattern will be essential later in school, as handwriting tasks become longer and more complex. You are supporting their present AND future success! 

Pencil Grip Kit

Here is an OT tip just for you! Create a pencil grip kit as pictured below. This will serve you coordinate an approach to determining the best pencil grip for any learner. You will have children that the typical grip will not work for, and you’ll need that one rarely used grip just for them! Have it on hand!

Below is a picture of my own pencil grip kit, which I have used with kiddos to help determine which one is the best grip for them. You can buy pencil grip kits on Amazon that come with several different types of grips.

Make a pencil grip kit for occupational therapy sessions.

Pencil Grip Activities

Be sure to check out our FREE Pencil Grasp Challenge . This is a 5-day email series that will provide you with loads of information about everything you need to know about the skills that make a functional pencil grasp. You will gain quick, daily activities that you can do with learners to help them right now.

Explore the other blog posts we have here at The OT Toolbox regarding pencil grasps by reviewing the convenient list of these just for you:

Pencil Grips for Other writing utensils

It’s important to cover another aspect of using pencil grips on writing utensils like gel pens, golf pencils, or weighted pencils. For some students, a different type of writing tool is needed and you can incorporate a pencil grip that supports sensory motor needs.

gel pen grip uses a pencil gripper on a pen

Gel Pen Pencil Grips

For example, a student that requires a gel pen over a pencil might have needs with proprioceptive awareness or trouble with pencil pressure. In this case, the gel pen offers lower resistance of the pen as it moves across the page. This can allow handwriting that was previously illegible because the pencil marks were too light on the page, to now show up. Other students might not have enough strength to move the pencil across a page given the force required to press through the lead of the pencil over the paper.

For these students, you might want to trial various gel pens that require less force to use.

Pencil grips that can be used with gel pens include any of the pencil grips listed above. Some of the ideal grippers include:

  • Classic foam grip
  • Grotto grip
  • Writing CLAW
  • Crossover grip

Depending on the needs of the individual, you can use other grips as well. Essentially, a gel pen grip supports a combination of handwriting needs, so combining these tools can target different needs.

Golf Pencil Grips

Pencil grips can also be used with golf pencils. You might want to use a small pencil like a golf pencil to support more precision and fine motor control with the mechanics of the finger grasp on the pencil.

Just like using an alternative writing tool like a gel pen, a golf pencil will fit with a variety of pencil grippers.

Elastic Band Pencil Grip

An elastic band pencil grip is a simple yet effective tool that is easy to make. The elastic band pencil grip is essentially a rubber band or a hair tie attached to the writing end of the pencil. The other end of the rubber band might be loose in a loop or it might have a charm attached.

Students that struggle with holding the pencil up and down might have a closed web space, tightly around the pencil. This means the pencil doesn’t have full motion and there is limited finger dexterity in the tips of the thumb, pointer finger, middle finger, and possibly the ring finger. In this case, using an elastic band that is attached to the pencil and loose (without a charm) can position the pencil into an upright position. You’ll want the student to put the loose end of the rubber band around their wrist. The elastic material then pulls the pencil into a vertical position.

Students that tend to put all four fingers in opposition with their thumb may not use a separated sides of the hand when writing. This means they might not move the pencil as efficiently as they could (and leads to lower letter legibility). In this case, the rubber band attaches to the tip of the pencil and the other end, which has the charm attached can be tucked into the palm of the hand.

In combination with these rubber band grippers or traditional pencil grips, incorporating a few manual dexterity goals can make all of the difference. A true tripod grasp might not be achieved, but a functional grasp is achievable.

The primary purpose of the elastic band pencil grip is to promote a functional and efficient grasp, thereby enhancing fine motor skills and handwriting abilities. Tools that support development of coordination and strength include:

  • Pencil Grasp Play Book– activities to support dexterity, fine motor strength, coordination, and more, all with an efficient pencil grip in mind.
  • 6 Month Fine Motor Plan– This plan outlines specific and easy fine motor exercises designed around play and sensory exploration that support fine motor skills needed for pencil grasp.

Types of Pencil Grip

Understanding the different types of pencil grip helps parents, teachers, and therapists support handwriting development in a meaningful way. Pencil grasp develops over time as children build hand strength, coordination, and motor control. Each stage reflects underlying fine motor development and the ability to use the small muscles of the hand efficiently.

There are several common types of pencil grips, ranging from early developmental grasps to more refined and efficient patterns used for writing tasks in school.

Pencil Grip Names and Developmental Stages

There are specific pencil grip names used to describe how a child holds a writing tool. These names help professionals identify whether a grasp pattern is developmentally appropriate or if support may be needed.

Common pencil grip names include:

  • Palmar supinate grasp
  • Digital pronate grasp
  • Static tripod grasp
  • Dynamic tripod grasp
  • Quadrupod grasp
  • Lateral tripod grasp

Each of these grasps reflects different levels of control and hand development. Early grasps involve larger arm movements, while more advanced grasps rely on refined finger movements.

Types of Pencil Grips in Occupational Therapy

In occupational therapy, understanding the different types of pencil grips is essential for evaluating handwriting skills and identifying areas of need. Therapists do not focus only on how the pencil looks in the hand, but also on how the grasp impacts function.

An efficient grasp allows for:

  • Smooth, controlled finger movements
  • Reduced fatigue during writing tasks
  • Improved letter formation and legibility
  • Better endurance for classroom activities

Occupational therapists consider multiple factors when assessing pencil grasp, including:

  • Hand strength
  • Stability of the wrist and forearm
  • Separation of the sides of the hand
  • Motor planning and coordination

Why Choosing the right Pencil Grip Matters

While there are several acceptable types of pencil grips, the goal is not perfection…it is function. Some children may use a non-traditional grasp but still write clearly and efficiently. Others may have a grasp that looks typical but struggle with control, speed, or endurance.

From an OT perspective, pencil grip is just one part of handwriting. It works together with posture, visual motor skills, and fine motor development to support overall writing performance.

Supporting Pencil Grip Development

When children struggle with pencil grasp, occupational therapy strategies focus on building the underlying skills needed for efficient movement.

Helpful strategies include:

  • Strengthening hand muscles through play (putty, clothespins, tongs)
  • Encouraging finger isolation activities
  • Using short crayons or pencils
  • Practicing writing on vertical surfaces
  • Supporting proper positioning and posture

These approaches help develop the foundation needed for more refined types of pencil grips used in handwriting tasks.

Regina Allen

Regina Parsons-Allen is a school-based certified occupational therapy assistant. She has a pediatrics practice area of emphasis from the NBCOT. She graduated from the OTA program at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson, North Carolina with an A.A.S degree in occupational therapy assistant. She has been practicing occupational therapy in the same school district for 20 years. She loves her children, husband, OT, working with children and teaching Sunday school. She is passionate about engaging, empowering, and enabling children to reach their maximum potential in ALL of their occupations as well assuring them that God loves them!

DIY Light Box for Tracing

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Child tracing letters with a pen on a light table. Text reads DIY light table for tracing

This DIY light box for tracing is an easy light box we put together in minutes. All you need is an under the bed storage container and a string of lights to make a tracing tool that kids will love. There are benefits to tracing and this tool is a fun way to build fine motor skills and visual motor skills as a visual motor skill leading to better handwriting.

Amazon affiliate links are included in this blog post. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

DIY Light Box for Kids

A DIY light box is a simple and effective tool that can be used for learning, play, and creativity. Light boxes provide a bright surface that makes it easier to see lines, shapes, and images for tracing or visual exploration. You can easily create a light box at home using materials like a plastic storage bin, LED lights, and a translucent lid.

This type of setup is especially helpful for kids because it makes activities more engaging and visually clear. A homemade light box can be used for tracing, drawing, sensory play, and even early writing activities.

DIY Light Box for Tracing

A DIY light box for tracing is perfect for helping children practice handwriting, drawing, and visual motor skills. The light shining through the surface allows kids to clearly see letters, shapes, or pictures placed underneath a sheet of paper.

This makes it easier for children to trace lines accurately, which supports motor planning and control. A DIY tracing box can be used for tracing alphabet letters, numbers, shapes, and simple drawings. It is a great tool for kids who are just beginning to learn how to write or who need extra visual support.

Sensory Light Box and Tracing Table Ideas

A sensory light box adds an extra layer of engagement by combining visual input with hands-on exploration. Kids can place different materials on the light surface, such as colored shapes, beads, or translucent objects, to explore how light changes the appearance of items.

You can also use your light box as a tracing table by placing worksheets or drawings underneath paper. This creates a bright, inviting workspace that encourages focus and creativity. Sensory light boxes are especially helpful for children who benefit from visual and tactile learning experiences.

Can You Make Your Own Light Box?

Yes, you can absolutely make your own light box at home with simple materials. Many DIY versions use:

  • A clear or translucent storage bin
  • LED strip lights or push lights. You can also use a tablet or studio lights (a video ring light found at many stores)
  • Wax paper or parchment paper (to diffuse light)
  • A flat surface lid

By placing lights inside the bin and covering the top with a translucent surface, you can create an affordable and functional light box. This DIY option works well for home use, classrooms, or therapy settings.

Can I Use My iPad as a Light Box?

Yes, an iPad or tablet can be used as a simple light box alternative. By increasing the brightness and displaying a white screen, the tablet can provide enough light for basic tracing activities.

However, there are some limitations. Tablets are smaller than most light boxes and may not provide as much working space. They are also more delicate, so supervision is important. A tablet can be a convenient option for quick tracing tasks, while a DIY light box offers a larger and more durable surface for regular use.

Reduce glare by upping the brightness when placing the tablet inside the plastic bin.

Specific Tracing Activity Ideas

Using a DIY light box for tracing opens up many opportunities for learning and skill development. Here are some beginner-friendly tracing ideas that parents, teachers, and therapists can start using right away:

Letter Tracing

Place alphabet worksheets under paper and have children trace uppercase and lowercase letters. This supports handwriting development and letter recognition.

Shape Tracing

Use simple shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and stars. This helps build pre-writing skills and visual motor coordination.

Name Tracing

Write a child’s name in large letters and have them trace over it. This is a motivating way to practice writing.

Picture Tracing

Trace simple pictures such as animals, vehicles, or objects. This supports creativity and drawing skills. Make sure you use white paper to see the objects.

Line and Pattern Tracing

Use straight lines, zig-zags, curves, and waves to build control and precision needed for writing.

Number Tracing

Practice forming numbers by tracing over large, clear models.

Themed Tracing Pages

Create seasonal or themed tracing sheets (weather, holidays, animals) to keep activities engaging.

Why Use a DIY Tracing Box?

A DIY tracing box makes learning more interactive and accessible. The light helps children see lines more clearly, which can reduce frustration and improve accuracy. This tool supports fine motor skills, visual tracking, and hand-eye coordination while making writing practice feel more like play.

DIY light box for tracing

A light box is a fun activity, and one you see in preschool classrooms, as it’s intended for hands-on play and exploring the senses. But did you know there are many benefits to using a light box for tracing (and other exploring play)?

How to Make a DIY Light Table for Tracing

This DIY Light Box was something I’ve seen around Pinterest and have wanted to try for a while…Once we had our Christmas lights outside, I thought we would definitely be doing this project after we pulled all of the lights back in.  So, after we brought the Christmas lights in from the outside bushes, this was easy to put together for a cold evening’s play!

You need just two items to make a DIY light table:

(Amazon affiliate links)

  1. Strand of white Christmas lights
  2. Clear, plastic under-the-bed storage bin

Important: The under the bed storage bin needs to be made of clear plastic or have just a slight opaque color to the plastic. Also, the top should be smooth. Many storage bins have textured surface or a white surface. The flat, smooth lid is important for sensory play as well as tracing with paper on the DIY light table. This brand (affiliate link) is a good one to use.

Instructions to make a DIY light box:

  1. Plug in the lights.
  2. Place them into the bin.
  3. Either cut a hole in the base of the bin for the lights to go through or cut a small notch into the lid so the strand of lights can go under the lid.

To make this homemade light box safer and not use plug in lights, you can use battery operated button lights (affiliate link) inside the storage bin. Or, there are many battery operated LED lights available now too. These are a great idea because many of them have a color-changing capability and can be operated from an app on your phone.

IMPORTANT: This homemade light box project should always be done under the supervision of an adult. The lights can get warm inside the bin and they should be unplugged periodically.

This is not a project that should be set up and forgotten about. The OT Toolbox is not responsible for any harm, injury, or situation caused by this activity. It is for educational purposes only. Always use caution and consider the environment and individualized situation, including with this activity. Your use of this idea is your acceptance of this disclaimer.

I put all of the (already bundled-up) strands of Christmas lights …seriously, this does not get much easier…into an under-the-bed storage bin, connected the strands, and plugged in!

 

DIY light box for tracing

A DIY light box made with Christmas lights
 

Once you put the top on, it is perfect for tracing pictures!
 
Tracing on a DIY light box
 
 

Tracing pictures on a light table

 
This is so great for new (or seasoned) hand-writers.  They are working on pencil control, line awareness, hand-eye coordination…and end up with a super cool horse picture they can be proud of!
 
Use printable coloring pages and encourage bilateral coordination to hold the paper down. You can modify the activity by taping the coloring page onto the plastic bin lid. 
 
Tracing a picture on a DIY light table
 
 Big Sister LOOOOVED doing this!  And, I have to say, that she was doing the tracing thing for so long, that we had to turn the lights off because the bin was getting warm. 
 
 
 
trace letters on a light table
 

Other ways to use a DIY Light Table

 
We went around the house looking for cool things to place on top of the bin.  Magnetic letters looked really neat with the light glowing through…Baby Girl had a lot of fun playing with this.
 
You can add many different items onto the DIY light table:
  • Magnetic letters (the light shines through them slightly)
  • Sand for a tracing table- We cover how to use a sand writing tray in another blog post and all the benefits of tracing in a sensory medium. With the lights under the tracing area, this adds another multisensory component to the learning.
  • Shapes (Magnatiles would work well)
  • Feathers
  • Coins
  • Blocks
  • A marble run
 
letters on a light table
 
What a great learning tool…Shapes:
 
 
Letter Identification, spelling words:
 

 Color and sensory discrimination:
 
 
 
…All in a new and fun manner!  We had a lot of fun with this, but have since put our Christmas lights back up into the attic.  We will be sure to do this one again next year, once the lights come back out again 🙂
 

Please: if you do make one of these light boxes, keep an adult eye on it, as the box did warm up…not to burning warmth, but I would worry about the lights becoming over heated.  This is NOT something that kids should play with unsupervised!

Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

Working on fine motor skills, visual perception, visual motor skills, sensory tolerance, handwriting, or scissor skills? Our Fine Motor Kits cover all of these areas and more.

Check out the seasonal Fine Motor Kits that kids love:

Letters Fine Motor Kit
Kit de motricidad fina de verano
Summer Fine Motor Kit
Outer Space Fine Motor Kit
Space Fine Motor Kit
Spring fine motor kit
Valentines Day fine motor kit
winter fine motor kit
Winter Fine Motor Kit

Or, grab one of our themed Fine Motor Kits to target skills with fun themes:

Want access to all of these kits…and more being added each month? Join The OT Toolbox Member’s Club!

Pencil Grasp Development

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pencil grasp development

Pencil grasp development is a common concern for many parents, teachers, and therapists. So often, we see children holding a pencil with all of their fingers wrapped around the pencil, or very awkward pencil grips and wonder what is a typical pencil grasp. But, did you know that children typically progress through pencil grasp development in a predictable pattern? It’s true! Let’s talk pencil grasp.

pencil grasp development

First, when it comes to writing with a pencil, there are a few things that therapists want parents to know about pencil grasp.

Secondly, it’s important to note that grasp development, while it can be predictable, can also vary in timing. And when grasp doesn’t follow the progression listed below…it can be ok! In fact, a functional pencil grasp is perfectly fine for children.

Pencil grasp development in kids

Pencil Grasp Development

Grasp development follows three main categories: primitive grasps, transitional grasps, and mature grasps.

Primitive Pencil Grasps

In this beginning pencil grasp, the whole arm moves the pencil. These grasps include two specific grips which are described below:

  • Palmer Supinate Grasp (a whole hand grasp)
  • Digital Pronate Grasp
Primitive pencil grasp

 ​1. Whole Hand Grasp/Palmer Supinate Grasp- (Typically seen between 12 months-1.5 years) Child holds the crayon with their whole hand, with the writing end of the crayon sticking out near their pinkie side of the hand. I​t looks like they are holding a paint stirrer or potato masher.

Digital pronate pencil grasp

​2. Digital Pronate Grasp/ Pronated Wrist Grasp- (2-3 years) Crayon is held in the hand so the tip of the crayon (or the drawing end) is held on the thumb side of the hand.

Transitional Pencil Grasps

In the transitional pencil grasp stage, the child’s forearm and/or wrist moves the pencil.

Transitional Pencil Grasps include:

Four finger or five finger pencil grasp

1. Quadrupod Grasp, or Four Fingered Grasp- (3-4 years)- Crayon is held between their thumb, and tips of the pointer finger, middle finger, and ring finger. As the child progresses, these four fingers may pull down to the tip of the finger into a quadrupod grasp.

Static tripod pencil grasp is a mature pencil grasp pattern

2. Static Tripod Grasp- (3.5-4 years)- Child holds the writing utensil with the thumb, pointer finger, and rests the utensil on the last joint of the middle finger. The ring finger and pinkie fingers are tucked into the palm of the hand.

3. Other grasp patterns- There can be many variations of grasp patterns that occur in the transitional stage, marked by the use of the wrist or forearm to move the pencil.

Mature Pencil Grasps

In the mature pencil grasp stage, the child holds and maneuvers the pencil using mobility in the fingers or the hand.

Mature grasp patterns include:

  • Dynamic Tripod Grasp
  • Lateral Tripod Grasp
  • Dynamic Quadrupod Grasp
  • Lateral Quadrupod Grasp
Dynamic tripod pencil grasp is a mature pencil grasp

1. Dynamic Tripod Grasp- (4-6/7 years) Thumb and pointer finger hold the pencil as it rests on the last joint of the middle finger. Pencil movements occur via manipulation of the fingers and hand. Note that a true dynamic tripod grasp may not be established up until around 14 years of age.

2. Lateral Tripod Grasp- Thumb is pressed in against the pencil (or adducted) to hold the pencil against the side of the pointer finger. The tip of the thumb may bend over (or flex) over the pencil in a “wrapped” position. This grasp is sometimes called a thumb wrap grasp because the thumb is not involved with the distal movement of the pencil. Distal mobility occurs, but it is the index and middle fingers manipulating the pencil.

3. Dynamic Quadrupod Grasp- Grasp is similar to the dynamic tripod grasp, but opposition includes the thumb, pointer finger, middle finger on the pencil shaft.

4. Lateral Quadrupod Grasp- Grasp is similar to the lateral tripod grasp, with its thumb wrapped positioning of the thumb, but uses the pointer, middle, and ring fingers are on the pencil shaft and manipulate the pencil.

Quadrupod Grasp

One thing that is important to mention is the quadrupod grasp. You might have noticed this term was mentioned a few times above, and in difference areas of development through the progression of pencil grasp development.

The quadrupod grasp is considered a four finger grasp, in which four fingers (thumb, pointer finger, middle finger, ring finger) are used to hold the pencil. Quadrupod grasp progresses from a static form to a dynamic form where there is fluid motion and repositioning in the joints of the hands.

Quadrupod Grasp- If the thumb opposes the pointer finger, middle finger, and ring finger this may be called a quadrupod grasp. A quadrupod grasp can also occur with the pencil resting on the side of the ring finger.

The quadrupod stage is an important part of grasp development as the fingers move into a dynamic position with pronation and extension of the wrist. However, don’t get stuck on a quadropod grasp if this type of grip is used with older children or if students are established with their quadrupod grasp!

Quadrupod grasp or Tripod Grasp?

Research tells us that the quadrupod grasp is a very functional grip and the use of one extra finger (as opposed to the traditional sense of a tripod grasp) is actually very functional in written work.

Some may say that the quadrupod grasp is more restrictive than the tripod grasp, however that extra stability can actually promote more mobility in the pencil and be used in very efficient and effective handwriting.

When the child that the uses a quadrupod grp on the pencil is forced to use a tripod grasp, you may see a decrease in written work legibility due to decreased stability. The arches of the hands may need to compensate for strength and dexterity in the fingers and that precise placement that the ring finger adds to the shaft of the pencil just isn’t as targeted with the arches of the hand and the stability offered through the ulnar side of the hand. For those who have the stability in the ulnar side and within the arches or intrinsic muscles, a tripod grasp can be more precise and lead to more refined pencil motions.

So you can see that it all is up to each individual when it comes to forcing a student to move from quadrupod to tripod. It just may not make sense to do so for some…and that’s ok and very functional!

Other Functional Pencil Grasps

There are other grasps that can be considered “functional” in which the child holds the pencil differently than described here, but can also write in an efficient manner.

These can include (but not be limited to) a thumb wrap grasp, thumb tuck grasp, inter-digital brace grasp, or a finger-wrap grasp.

Pencil Grasp Development and Fine Motor Skills

Pencil grasp develops gradually as part of overall fine motor development. In the earliest stages of pencil grasp development, a toddler typically uses a palmar grasp, wrapping the whole hand around a crayon or marker. 

At this stage, movement comes mostly from the shoulder and elbow, and the child’s hands are focused on exploring rather than precision. When a toddler begins to scribble, the goal is not neatness but sensory feedback and control of large movements. These early scribbles lay the foundation for later fine motor skills.

As children gain strength and coordination, finger dexterity and distal coordination progresses. Instead of relying primarily on the elbow and shoulder, the child starts to move the tool using the wrist and eventually the fingertips. In occupational therapy, we like to say proximal stability before distal mobility.

This shift allows greater control over lines and shapes.

This is where we see grasp patterns really start to emerge.

During this stage, you may see variations such as a quadruped grasp, where four fingers help stabilize the marker or pen. The child’s hands are learning to coordinate small muscles, and core strength also plays a role in providing a stable base for refined hand control.

Over time, children typically progress toward a 3-finger grasp, sometimes referred to as a tripod grasp. In this more mature pattern, the writing tool is held between the thumb and index fingers, resting on the middle finger. The tips of their fingers guide the movement rather than the whole arm. This allows for precise control, endurance, and efficient letter formation. The fingertips become responsible for controlled, isolated movements rather than broad arm swings.

When Should Kids Use a Pencil?

Here’s how I respond to that question. Try to hold off on pencil and paper activities (worksheets) until kindergarten. When kids are handed a pencil or pen too soon, that’s when we see primitive grasps become “stuck”.

This happens in preschools where kids are tracing and writing on worksheets. Instead, use PLAY! We have a bunch ideas for fine motor activities using play that should come before pencils.

Children begin holding crayons or markers as toddlers, but how they hold them changes over time. Around age 2 to 3, children typically use a whole-hand or palmar grasp. By age 4 to 5, many children are developing more refined finger-based grasps. A functional 3-finger grasp often emerges between 5 and 6 years of age. Development is gradual, and there is a wide range of typical. It’s much better to use crayons in coloring to progress through these stages rather than a pencil. The crayon provides a heavier, more resistive feedback and strengthens the fingers, hands, and arches of the hands. Arch development is HUGE in a functional pencil grasp!

At what age should a child use a pencil grip?

One question we get a lot as pediatric OTs is when kids should add a pencil grip to their pencil.

Most children do not need a pencil grip in the preschool years. Pencil grips are typically considered when a child is school-aged, usually around 5 to 7 years old, and showing signs of fatigue, discomfort, or inefficient grasp patterns during writing tasks. Before that age, hands are still developing strength, coordination, and control. For younger children, it is more important to build fine motor skills than to add adaptive tools too early. It’s most important to work on the fine motor skills needed for strength and coordination to manage and manipulate the pencil. Try play dough, coloring, playing with beads, puzzles, tearing paper…SO many fun fine motor activities help with manipulating a pencil.

Tips to Help with Pencil Grasp Development

Providing opportunities for practice on a vertical surface, such as at an easel, can support this development. Writing or drawing on a vertical surface encourages wrist extension and strengthens the muscles needed for refined finger movements. 

Using tools like a marker or pen in short, engaging tasks helps children build coordination and confidence. Activities that promote fine motor skills, along with attention to posture and core strength, support the natural progression through the stages of pencil grasp development.

Ultimately, pencil grasp is not just about how a child holds a pen. It reflects the integration of fine motor development, hand strength, coordination, and stability. 

Supporting the child’s hands through purposeful play and developmentally appropriate expectations allows grasp patterns to mature in a way that promotes comfort, endurance, and functional writing skills.

One tool we love is the Pencil Grasp Bundle.

How to help with pencil Grasp

Want to know more about pencil grasp progression, development, and strategies to use to help children build a strong, efficient, and functional pencil grasp? It’s all in the Pencil Grasp Bundle!

Pencil Grasp Bundle

The Pencil Grasp Bundle is for those struggling to help students with carryover of skills. It’s designed to make pencil grasp practice meaningful and motivating. The Pencil Grasp Bundle is 16 pencil grasp resources, guides, worksheet sets, and tools.

Pencil Grasp Success Was Never Easier.

  • It can be a real struggle to help kids address tricky pencil grasps.  
    It is frustrating and difficult to weed through all of the information and pull out what will work for a child.  
  • You struggle with kids who work on skills but can’t carryover handwriting and pencil grasp into the classroom. 
  • Therapists may search for fresh ideas to address pencil grasp needs and wonder whether a grasp is considered functional or needs changing. 
  • Therapists need pencil grasp screening and educational materials to address a huge influx of therapy referrals.
  • Parents wonder about development and skills. 
  • Teachers will love the Centers activities to incorporate into learning to impact carryover of handwriting skills.

The Pencil Grasp Bundle includes 16 products and is valued at over $73. It’s bundled together and offered at just $24.

More pencil grasp help

free pencil grasp challenge

Want to know how to fix a problem with pencil grasps? Need help knowing where to start when it comes to immature pencil grasps or a child hating to write because their hand hurts? The Pencil Grasp Challenge in open for you! In this free, 5 day email series, you’ll gain information, resources, specific activities designed to promote a functional, efficient pencil grasp.

The pencil grasp challenge is a free, 5 day mini course and challenge. During the course of five days, I’ll be teaching everything you need to know about the skills that make up a functional pencil grasp. You’ll learn what’s going on behind the inefficient and just plain terrible pencil grasps you see everyday in the classroom, clinic, or home. Along with loads of information, you’ll gain quick, daily activities that you can do today with a kiddo you know and love. These are easy activities that use items you probably already have in your home right now.

Besides learning and gaining a handful (pun intended) of fun ideas to make quick wins in pencil grasp work, you’ll gain:

  • 5 days of information related to pencil grasp, so you know how to help kids fix an immature pencil grasp.
  • Specific activities designed to build a functional pencil grasp.
  • Free printable handouts that you can use to share with your team or with a parent/fellow teachers.
  • You’ll get access to printable challenge sheets, and a few other fun surprises.
  • And, possibly the best of all, you’ll get access to a secret challengers Facebook group, where you can share wins, chat about all things pencil grasp, and join a community of other therapists, parents and teachers working on pencil grasp issues.

Click here to join the Pencil Grasp Challenge.

Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

Welcome to the Pencil Grasp Challenge!

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pencil grasp challenge course includes pencil grasp playbook, bundle, certificate of completion, pencil grasp activities, and data collection sheets

I am SO excited about this challenge. What is the Pencil Grasp Challenge? Well, if you know a child who struggles with pencil grasp, holds the pencil with a tight or inefficient grip, uses all of their fingers to hold a pencil, or writes with an awkward grasp, the Pencil Grasp Challenge is for you!

We’ve updated this challenge to add more resources and tools to promote functional pencil grasp for efficient and legible handwriting. Here’s what’s new…

We amped up the resources and added data collection and observation tools, the Pencil Grasp Play Book, the Pencil Grasp Bundle so you can continue to work on the areas impacting handwriting, and added a certificate of completion for this challenge.

If you are a member and access the challenge through your membership, or purchase the paid challenge, it INCLUDES a certificate of completion for 1.2 contact hours!

Challenge Includes:

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

These items are not included in the free email version of this challenge: Observation Sheets for each activity, Data Collection sheets, Pencil Grasp Play Book and Pencil Grasp Bundle. You can get these resources only in the paid version of the challenge or in the membership. What You’ll Learn:

  • Why behaviors and big emotions affect learning and participation.
  • The connection between emotions, the fight-flight-freeze response, and self-regulation challenges.
  • The role of heavy work, proprioceptive input, and whole-body movements in supporting regulation.
  • How to teach deep breathing techniques to hijack anxiety and promote calm.
  • Practical ways to integrate self-regulation tools into classroom settings.

In this 5 lesson challenge, I’ll be teaching everything you need to know about the skills that make us a functional pencil grasp. You’ll learn what’s going on behind the inefficient and just plain terrible pencil grasps you see everyday in the classroom, clinic, or home. Along with loads of information, you’ll gain quick, daily activities that you can do today with a student or your own child. These are easy activities that use items you probably already have in your home right now.

pencil grasp challenge course includes pencil grasp playbook, bundle, certificate of completion, pencil grasp activities, and data collection sheets

The Pencil Grasp Challenge is a comprehensive, self-paced online course designed to equip occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and caregivers with practical strategies to address this critical need.

Let me tell you a little more about the challenge.

PENCIL GRASP CHALLENGE

The pencil grasp challenge for kids

If you already signed up, be sure to check your email, because I have some surprises there for you and access to our private community.

If you haven’t sighted up yet, but want to, find the link to join us below.

What is the Pencil Grasp Challenge?

The pencil grasp challenge is a 5 day mini course and challenge. During the course of five days, I’ll be teaching everything you need to know about the skills that make us a functional pencil grasp.

You’ll learn what’s going on behind the inefficient and just plain terrible pencil grasps you see everyday in the classroom, clinic, or home. Along with loads of information, you’ll gain quick, daily activities that you can do today with a kiddo you know and love.

These are easy activities that use items you probably already have in your home right now.

Pencil grasp challenge activities to help pencil grasp problems

Besides learning and gaining a handful (pun intended) of fun ideas to make quick wins in pencil grasp work, you’ll gain free printable handouts that you can use to share with your team or with a parent/fellow teacher.

You’ll get access to printable challenge sheets, and a few other fun surprises. And, possibly the best of all, you’ll get access to a secret challengers Facebook group, where you can share wins, chat about all things pencil grasp, and join a community of other therapists, parents and teachers working on pencil grasp issues. This is going to be fun!

Pencil grasp challenge and activities for a better pencil grasp

If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up now, because we’re gearing up for a fun week in the pencil grasp Facebook group.

Use these pencil grasp activities to help build the fine motor skills kids need for handwritng

More about the challenge

This challenge has been a yearly challenge for the last three years.

The Pencil Grasp Challenge started because on The OT Toolbox, we have had many questions on handwriting and pencil grasp. Parents, teachers, and therapists have questions on concepts such as:

  • How do I fix pencil grasp?
  • What is an appropriate pencil grasp?
  • How does pencil grasp develop?
  • What is a functional pencil grasp?
  • How does pencil grasp impact handwriting?
  • I need handwriting help! Where do I begin?
  • When is it developmentally appropriate to work on pencil grasp?
  • My child/student has a terrible pencil grasp! What do I do?

As a result, I have A LOT of handwriting and fine motor activities here on The OT Toolbox website. A lot of those activities are perfect for developing a functional and efficient pencil grasp. The Pencil Grasp Challenge started as I had an idea to create a challenge of fine motor activities to boost the skills kids need for strong and efficient hands, so they can hold and manipulate a pencil without difficulty. I started using #pencilgraspchallenge hashtag on my Instagram posts for those activities, with the intention to start this challenge with all of you.

In fact, go ahead and check out #pencilgraspchallenge on Instagram…you’ll find loads of fun fine motor activities designed specifically to build the skills needed for a better pencil grasp.

Join the pencil grasp challenge series to build fine motor skills in kids

Enter the Pencil Grasp Challenge!

Get ready because The Pencil Grasp Challenge is making a comeback, and this year, it’s bigger and better than ever! Over the years, we’ve offered a free email challenge, but this time, we’ve taken it to the next level.

We’ve ramped up the lessons, added essential observation and data collection tools, and included not one but TWO incredible resources—the Pencil Grasp Bundle and the Pencil Grasp Play Book. Plus, for the first time ever, participants can earn a certificate of completion for 1.2 contact hours, making this challenge a must-have for professionals looking to enhance their skills.

How to Join the Pencil Grasp Challenge

We’re offering three flexible options so you can choose the one that best fits your needs:

1. Best Value: Purchase the Course for Just $25!

If you’re not a member yet, now is the perfect time to grab this exclusive offer. For just $25, you’ll receive:

  • All challenge materials, including the observation & data collection tools,
  • The comprehensive Pencil Grasp Bundle,
  • The Pencil Grasp Play Book,
  • And a certificate of completion for 1.2 contact hours.

👉 Sign up for the full challenge here!

This is an amazing deal considering the valuable resources included!

2. Already a Member? You Get Access!

Good news for our members—this challenge is included in your membership! Simply log into your account and access the course here:

👉 Members: Access your course now.

3. Free Email Course Option

Want to try the challenge without the extras? Join our free email course to participate in the core challenge. While you won’t receive the premium resources (such as the observation tools, play book, or certificate), it’s still a great way to improve fine motor skills.

👉 Join the free challenge below by entering your email address into the form.

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This challenge is fun, actionable, and effective, making it perfect for parents, teachers, and therapists looking to support children’s handwriting development. You’ll be amazed at how quickly fine motor skills improve with these targeted activities.

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    Pencil activities to help kids write with a functional grasp

    Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

    Toys to Improve Pencil Grasp

    by
    Juguetes para agarrar el lápiz

    Have you ever used pencil grasp toys to support development of handwriting? Helping kids with pencil grasp can be a challenge, so using motivating and fun activities to support the underlying skill areas is essential. Today, we’re going over the best occupational therapy toys that target pencil grasp development. Pencil grasp toys to challenge precision, dexterity, endurance, separation of the sides of the hand, and other skills needed for a functional pencil grasp. All of this can happen through play using toys to support stronger hands by focusing on grasp pattern development through play!

    Amazon affiliate links are included in this blog post. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    The best pencil grasp toys to support the fine motor skills needed for a better pencil grip.

    Recently, we shared fine motor toy ideas and then gross motor toys. Both of these areas are closely related to a functional pencil grasp, so be sure to check out those toy suggestions, too.

    Pencil Grasp Toys

    We love coming up with fun play and craft activities designed to work on the development of an efficient grasp.  Being the season of gifting to others, we thought it would be fun to bring you our top recommended toys to work on tripod grasp, intrinsic muscle strength, rotation of the pencil while handwriting, and an open thumb web space. 

    Children who have difficulty with handwriting may completely HATE to work on letter formation and pencil grip.  Why not gift them with a fun toy this holiday that will work on the developmental skills necessary to improve their grip on the pencil?  Make the exercise fun as they PLAY their way to a better pencil grasp!

    Handwriting is more than just pencil grasp! Manipulating a pencil to write letters and numbers has a lot to do with visual perceptual skills. You’ll find easy and fun ways to work on visual perceptual skills through play here. 


    You will also love these Games to Improve Pencil Grasp

    Best Toys to Improve Pencil Grasp

    Toys that will help improve pencil grasp

    {Note: This post contains affiliate links.}

    Toys That Improve Pencil Grasp

    Coming up with this list, we thought about the skills needed for an appropriate pencil grasp and age-appropriate handwriting.  This toy gift guide is broken down into toys that will help with different sets of problem areas when it comes to a poor pencil grasp.

    Let’s take a closer look at toy suggestions for these areas:

    • Toys for Tripod Grasp
    • Toys for an Open Thumb Web Space
    • Toys for Hand Strength
    • Toys for Extended Wrist

    Toys for Tripod Grasp

    Tripod grasp: The most efficient way to hold the pencil when writing is with a dynamic tripod grasp. While not necessary…a functional grasp works, too…a tripod grasp is a term we’ve probably all heard described before.  So WHAT is a tripod grasp? 

    A Tripod grasp starts with a nice round circle made with the thumb and index finger.  The pencil is pinched with the tips of the thumb and index finger and held close to the point of the pencil.  The pencil is resting on and assisted by the middle finger.  The ring finger and pinky fingers are tucked into the palm.  All movement should happen with the fingers and thumb.  The wrist and arm should not move while writing, coloring, or drawing. 

    Often times, new pencil and crayon users will hold the writing utensil in a different way.  You might see four fingers opposing the thumb to hold the pencil.  You might see the pencil positioned in the knuckles between the index and middle fingers.  Maybe they hold the pencil away from the tip where the lead is and instead hold it in the middle of the pencil shaft.  There are SO many variations of awkward and inefficient pencil grasps.  If your little hand writer is showing some version that affects their letter formation and pencil control, try a few of these fun toys…

    A few toys that help to encourage a tripod grasp:

    Light Brite: (affiliate link) Picking up and manipulating those little colored pegs encourage a tripod grasp.  Pushing them through the paper and into the holes is a great resistive exercise…disguised as FUN! 

    We have this Lite Brite Flatscreen – Red (affiliate link) from Hasbro and love making pictures with the pegs!  When the child holds the pegs in his hand, it’s a great way to encourage the ring finger and pinkie finger in a tucked position.  Show your child how to pick up a handful of pegs and “squirrel them away” in their palm while they push one peg into the board.  What a great fine motor exercise!  Not to mention, the dots of the guide paper is a great visual motor activity…so important in handwriting!

    Lacing Cards: (affiliate link) Lacing cards are a great way to encourage a tripod grasp.  This set of Lacing Shapes (affiliate link) from Patch Products come in simple shapes with bold colors. The child must hold the tip of the string in a dynamic tripod grasp to push through the holes of the card.  If your child has their thumb squashed up against their index finger while threading the cards, be sure to show them how to make a nice round circle for an easier time.

    Peg Boards: (affiliate link) Grasping pegs encourage a tripod grasp especially while pushing them into the holes of a peg board.  Here are homemade pegboard ideas and even a precision pegboard you can make using perler beads (see below).

    This Lauri Tall-Stacker Pegs Building Set (affiliate link) from Lauri is great for building peg towers while learning colors and shapes. 

    Older kids might love Fusion Beads like the Perler Beads 6,000 Count Bucket-Multi Mix (affiliate link) from Perler.

    Spike the Fine Motor Hedge Hog– (affiliate link) This fine motor toy builds a stronger tripod grasp, and when positioned appropriately, can place the wrist into an extended position, too. This helps to further refine precision movements for accuracy and dexterity. These are great skills to carry over to pencil control and pencil movements during handwriting tasks.

    Learning Resources 3 Prong Tong– (affiliate link) This tong tool promotes a better grasp on objects…but only if the hand is positioned correctly. If you allow kids to just pick up the 3 prong tongs and start using them, they likely will position the tong into their hand with a gross grasp, or by using all of the fingers along the length of the prong. This can actually strengthen the wrong muscles, and promote an ineffective motor plan that becomes muscle memory when writing with a pencil.

    When kids use these tongs, they should have their hand positioned almost under the tongs, as if it were a pencil. When used this way, the tongs can strengthen the intrinsic muscles and promote a tripod grasp. These 3 prong tongs can work well when used correctly, but be sure to work along side a child with this one.

    Toys for Open Thumb Web Space

    Sometimes you will see a child who is holding their pencil with a closed web space.  This happens when the thumb web space is the area between the thumb and the index finger.  If the thumb is squashed up against the side of their index finger, they are not able to manipulate the pencil with small movements.  They might move their whole arm to make letters instead of just the hand.  A closed web space is an inefficient way to grasp the pencil and will lead to poor handwriting.  This type of positioning requires activities that strengthen and stabilize the thumb.

    A few toys that help encourage an open web space:

    Tweezer Games:  Tweezer activities promote an open web space and stabilization of the thumb.  This Avalanche Fruit Stand (affiliate link) from Learning Resources is a colorful way to encourage an open web space.  The vertical surface is perfect for encouraging an extended wrist.

    Bead Sets: (affiliate link) Stringing beads is a good way to encourage an open web space.  The child must hold the bead and string between their thumb and index fingers.  Collapsing of the thumb web space will happen when the child demonstrates weakness in the muscles of the thumb.  Beading is a repetitive activity and promotes strength. 

    This Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Stringing Beads with over 200 beads (affiliate link) from Melissa & Doug has over 200 beads in different colors and shapes, and even letters!  You could even form sentences for the child to copy and practice their improved pencil grasp!

    Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots: (affiliate link) Often times, a child will wrap their thumb around the index finger when they are writing with a pencil.. This indicates instability in the thumb and the muscles that allow for smooth pencil motions. 

    Pushing down on the buttons of the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em ROBOTS Game (affiliate link) from Mattel really strengthens the muscles of the thumb and allows for more stability leading to an open web space and ultimately more fluid motions of the pencil in letter formation.  Plus, this game is just plain old FUN for kids of all ages!

    Toys for Hand Strength

    Hand Strength:  If a child has weakness in their hands, they may complain that their hand is tired when they write or color.  Then, to compensate for muscle fatigue, they resort to an inefficient hand grasp.  They may grip the pencil with four fingers or with their whole palm.  many times, a child will start off with a nice tripod grasp and then switch to a less efficient grasp…or even switch hands!  Do they complain that their hand is tired or that it hurts?  These kiddos need to work on hand strength.  To allow for increased endurance when writing and coloring, this child would benefit from strengthening exercises.

    A few toys that help encourage hand strength:

    Pop Beads:  (affiliate link) Pushing pop beads together is a perfect way to strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the hands including the arches of the hands. 

    Pop beads are such a fun toy that can be used to make patterns, different lengths, bracelets, necklaces, and even shapes. This Pop Beads (affiliate link) from ConstructivePlaythings are unique in their shape, color, sizes, and textures. A twist on the classic bead, this set will excite girls and boys of all ages.  Be sure to shop for size-appropriate beads for your child’s hands.

    Play-Doh: (affiliate link) Play dough is the ultimate open-ended toy for hand strengthening.  There are unlimited ways to play all the while encouraging hand development. 

    We love this Play-Doh 24-Pack of Colors(affiliate link) for lots of creative play!  Hide coins, beans, or beads in the dough and allow the child to find the items.  Roll small balls of dough using just the thumb, index, and middle fingers. 

    Roll a play dough snake with the dough and have the child pinch the dough between their thumb and index finger.  Just get creative and make some things with your play dough.  Most of all, have fun!

    Tissue Paper Art: (affiliate link) There is possible no better art project for hand strengthening than tissue paper art!  Crumbling little bits of tissue paper is perfect for strengthening the small muscles of the hand. 

    Encourage your child to use just their finger tips to crumble the bits of tissue paper rather than two hands to crumble.  This ALEX® Toys – Early Learning Tissue Paper Art -Little Hands 521W (affiliate link) from Alex Toys is bold, colorful and just plain fun art!  Even better for the intrinsic muscles of the hands is tearing bits of paper before crumbling.

    Squeeze Toys:(affiliate link) a gross grasp is using the whole hand to squeeze and flex into a grip. 

    What a great way to strengthen the muscles of the hands!  This Lobster Claw Catcher (affiliate link) from is a fun way to encourage hand strength and endurance for coloring and writing.

    Geoboard Activities– (affiliate link) Using a geoboard supports hand strength to enable endurance in handwriting. Manipulating the rubber bands promotes finger isolation, open thumb web-space, and and extended wrist.

    Learning Resources Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set Toy– (affiliate link) This set of fine motor tools includes an eye-dropper, scissor scoops, and tongs. The sensory bin scoops and tools support hand strength through manipulating small objects or water.

    These tools are a great way to strengthen the exact muscles needed for a functional pencil grasp.

    Toys for Extended Wrist

    Extended Wrist:  An Extended wrist is a slightly bent back wrist.  When a child’s hand is bent forward toward the palm, they typically exhibit inefficient grasp on the pencil and weakness in the hand. A slight bend in the wrist towards the back of the hand (bent up toward the ceiling when writing) allows for better movement and flow of the fingers when forming letters.  Often times a child with a poor handwriting demonstrates a “hooked wrist” or a flat wrist and it leads back to inefficient control of the pencil and messy handwriting. 

    A few toys that help encourage an Extended Wrist:

    Easel: (affiliate link) An easel can be used in so many ways while encouraging an extended wrist.  Paint, draw, color, or write on the elevated surface.  We love taping contact paper to our easel and sticking all kinds of craft supplies. 

    This really encourages an extended wrist while using a tripod grasp or tip to tip grasp to manipulate little items (think tissue paper, sequins, foil squares…the possibilities are endless!) This Easel (affiliate link) is great for extended wrist activities.  And, it even folds down to reveal a desk surface.  It’s the perfect gift to promote improved handwriting!

    Ker Plunk: (affiliate link) The Ker Plunk Game (affiliate link) from Mattel encourages an extended wrist as the child pushes the sticks into the holes of the game.  They are encouraged to use a tripod grasp to hold the sticks as well.  Rotating the sticks encourages two types of in-hand manipulation.

    Take this game a step further in handwriting exercise for strengthening and play laying down on the floor, propped up on your elbows.  Getting down on the floor to play will activate the large muscles of the back and the shoulder girdle to improve precision in pencil grasp.

    Montessori Boards-(affiliate link) Precision and dexterity activities are needed for pencil grasp and when you add in dexterity tasks and manipulation of tongs, spoons, or tweezers to move and place objects, it’s a win-win.

    This precision Montessori board (affiliate link) builds the skills needed for pencil grasp: a stabile wrist, in-hand manipulation, open thumb web space, and dexterity.

    Best toys and ideas to help kids improve their pencil grasp

    Looking for a few activities to improve handwriting skills? Check out our round-up of the best handwriting activities from our blog and these other toy suggestions:

    More Therapy Toy Ideas

    Want to find more therapy recommended toys to help kids develop specific skills? Check out the list of skill areas below.

    1. Fine Motor Toys 
    2. Gross Motor Toys 
    3. Pencil Grasp Toys
    4. Toys for Reluctant Writers
    5. Toys for Spatial Awareness
    6. Toys for Visual Tracking
    7. Toys for Sensory Play 
    8. Bilateral Coordination Toys 
    9. Games for Executive Functioning Skills
    10. Toys and Tools to Improve Visual Perception
    11. Toys to Help with Scissors Skills
    12. Toys for Attention and Focus

    Printable List of Toys for Pencil Grasp

    Want a printable copy of our therapist-recommended toys to support pencil grasp?

    As therapy professionals, we LOVE to recommend therapy toys that build skills! This toy list is done for you so you don’t need to recreate the wheel.

    Your therapy caseload will love these PENCIL GRASP toy recommendations. (There’s space on this handout for you to write in your own toy suggestions, to meet the client’s individual needs, too!)

    Enter your email address into the form below. The OT Toolbox Member’s Club Members can access this handout inside the dashboard, under Educational Handouts. Just be sure to log into your account, first!

    Therapist-Recommended ​
    PENCIL GRASP TOYS HANDOUT

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      Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

      Fine Motor Paper Clip Math

      by
      fine motor paper clip math with paper clips scattered on white background.

      This Fine Motor Paper Clip Math idea is a fine motor math activity that makes for a great busy bag or calm down time activity. We actually have several paper clip activities here on The OT Toolbox because you can target so many fine motor skills with this simple item. It’s perfect for indoor playtime and hands-on learning.  Not only that, but it is a great way to work on fine motor skills like finger and thumb opposition. Plus, manipulating paper clips helps with a neat pincer grasp, which is needed for the dexterity of manipulating small objects.

      fine motor paper clip math with paper clips scattered on white background.

      Fine Motor Paper Clip Math

      I also love to use paperclips in math activities because you are targeting the fine motor skills needed for a functional pencil grasp and other tasks like stringing beads, zip/unzip, button/unbutton, and various in-hand manipulation skills. 

      An open thumb web space is a skill is needed for manipulating items like a pencil or crayon, shoe laces, zippers, buttons, and small objects with an open web space.  

      Often times, we see kids who have their thumb squashed up against their fingers and the side of their palm when they are writing or manipulating items.  This opposition fine motor activity is a fun way to work on opening up the web space for improved dexterity. 

      Add this activity to our list of games with paper clips that support skill building!

      Thumb opposition activity for fine motor skills needed in pencil grasp, buttoning, shoe tying, and zippers.

      Full disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this post.  

      You’ll need just a two items for this activity: 



      I love how the two sets linked above (both affiliate links) are all colors of the rainbow.  Even better for color matching and color recognition for preschoolers!

      Paper clip math and learning activity for kids

      So, this activity is completely simple to do;  Spread out the paper clips and ask your child to match them up to the craft sticks. 

      We worked on a few learning activities with this:

      • Add the number of paper clips.
      • Add the total number of paper clips on two craft sticks.
      • Subtract the difference of the number of paper clips on two craft sticks.
      • One to one correspondence
      • More than/less than
      • Work on color matching and color recognition
      • Work on fine motor skills.
      • Teach base ten concepts by stringing paper clips together.
      Use paper clips and foam craft sticks to work on counting, addition, and subtraction as well as color recognition and color matching.


      Thumb Opposition Fine Motor Activity 

      Using the Foam Craft Sticks makes this activity a real workout for the fingers.  You could use wooden craft sticks that provide more support and are easier to manage.  

      But, to really challenge the fine motor skills, the foam craft sticks are the thing to use!  They are a little wiggly and require stability of the thenar muscles (muscles of the thumb) to hold the thumb in place as the fingers and the tip of the thumb place the paper clip on the craft stick.  

      When opposing, the thumb’s thenar muscles work to oppose the pointer finger during functional tasks.  This is needed for advancing and positioning a pencil when writing, managing a button with ease, and pulling a zipper.  With a closed thumb web space and lateral pinch of the thumb versus true opposition, a child will fumble.

      When doing this opposition activity with your child, be sure to verbally prompt them to attend to the bend thumb IP joint.

      Thumb opposition activity for fine motor skills needed in pencil grasp, buttoning, shoe tying, and zippers.

      This is such an easy way to learn and play indoors.  Looking for more indoor play ideas?

      Fine motor color matching and math activity using paper clips and foam craft sticks.

      Thumb opposition activity for fine motor skills needed in pencil grasp, buttoning, shoe tying, and zippers.

      More fine motor activities you will love:

      Working on fine motor skills, visual perception, visual motor skills, sensory tolerance, handwriting, or scissor skills? Our Fine Motor Kits cover all of these areas and more.

      Check out the seasonal Fine Motor Kits that kids love:

      Letters Fine Motor Kit
      Kit de motricidad fina de verano
      Summer Fine Motor Kit
      Outer Space Fine Motor Kit
      Space Fine Motor Kit
      Spring fine motor kit
      Valentines Day fine motor kit
      winter fine motor kit
      Winter Fine Motor Kit

      Or, grab one of our themed Fine Motor Kits to target skills with fun themes:

      Want access to all of these kits…and more being added each month? Join The OT Toolbox Member’s Club!

      Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

      Apple Tree Fine Motor Activity

      by
      Picture of a felt apple tree with small red dots and dice. text reads Apple Tree fine motor activity

      This apple activity is a fine motor activity for occupational therapy sessions with kids that builds many skill areas. I love this fine motor apple activity because you can make it work for the needs of each child. There is power to using hole punch activities with kids! Working on hand strength? Use the hole punch to build skills. Working on dexterity? Pick up the small red circles to place them on the felt apple tree. You can even incorporate it into a vertical plane activity or add apple brain breaks to the session. The sky is the limit!

      Picture of a felt apple tree with small red dots and dice. text reads Apple Tree fine motor activity

      I love this apple tree activity because you can use dice to work on hand mobility, small apple dots that are precision work, and you can incorporate other skills into the activity.

      This fine motor apple activity would go really well with our apple sensory bin and our Apple Therapy Kit.

      Apple Tree Fine Motor Activity

      Pair this apple tree activity with our apple tweezer activity for even more apple themed fine motor fun.

      Fine motor strengthening is a hot topic when it comes to back-to-school time.  Kids go back into the classroom and need to get back up to speed on all of the fine motor requirements in the classroom.  What better way to work on fine motor strength than with a Fall apple theme? This apple themed fine motor activity adds a bit of math, too and it’s super easy to create for hands-on play, learning, and fine motor work.
       
      Kids will love this fine motor strengthening apple activity this fall.

       

      Fine Motor Strengthening Activity

      This apple tree activity is a fun way to build the intrinsic muscle strength of the hands as well as gross grasp strength.  It’s an easy activity to throw together, and the steps of the activity help to build strength of the hands, too.
       
      Materials needed to make this apple tree activity:
       
      Affiliate links are included in this post.
       
       
      Kids will love this fine motor strengthening apple activity this fall.
       
      To create the apple tree, cut the green felt into a tree-ish shape.  Cutting felt is a complex scissor task, so older kids can help with this part.  If you are able to use stiff felt, cutting through the material is a strengthening exercise in itself. 
       
      Next, cut the brown felt into a trunk shape, by simply cutting strait lines. Consider allowing the child to cut the trunk shape as cutting strait lines on a material such as felt is easier, yet the flimsy material makes it difficult to cut.  A stiffer material would work well for this part as well.
       
      Use strips of paper to build hand strength
       
      Next, cut the red cardstock into small, thin strips of paper.  This is not necessary for the end result of the activity, however there is a fine motor benefit to the extra step.  Kids can hold the thin strips of paper with a pincer grasp using their non-dominant, helper hand.  Using the small strips of paper requires precision. Kids will then be required to slow down while using the hole punch so that they don’t cut the holes over the edge of the strip of the paper.  
       
      Need a hole punch that requires less effort for younger kids or those who need to build their gross muscle grip strength?  Try this one.
       

      Hole Punch Activity

       
      Before we move on, I want to take a moment to talk about this portion of the activity.
       
      Cutting paper strips and using a hole punch along the strip is an easy fine motor activity that you can set up with items you probably have on hand….Cut strips of paper. Use different grades and remember that cutting thicker paper means more resistance which is good for strengthening the hands.
       
      Use a hole punch to punch holes along the paper strip. This supports eye hand coordination, motor planning, bilateral coordination, grip strength, and more. Here’s more on this activity…and then a fun way to use those small dots for more fine motor fun.
       
      Use the brown cardstock to make a small apple barrel shape. This can be used in the math part of this activity.
       
      A slower cut with the hole punch allows for the muscles of the hands to exercise with prolonged tension and increases blood flow.  Using the hole punch with slow repetitions builds gross grasp strength.
       
      Once the apple tree and apples are created, kids can place them on the tree. The cardstock will not stick permanently to the felt, but they will stay in place for temporary play.  Scatter the red cardstock circles, (those are your apples!) onto the table.  Show your child or student how to pick up the apples and place them onto the apple tree.  Picking up the small cardstock circles is a real workout for the intrinsic muscles of the hand. 
       
      To make this activity easier, place the cardstock circles on a piece of felt.
       

      Apple Fine Motor Activity

       
      Add a bit of math to this activity with a pair of dice.  Show your child how to roll the dice and then count the number of dots on the dice.  They can then add and count the number of apples and place them on the tree.  
       
      There are several ways to build on this activity:
       
      • Use the dice to add apples.
      • Subtract by taking away apples from the tree. 
      • Create multiple step math problems by adding and them subtracting the numbers on the dice to put on and then remove apples.
       
      Apple fine motor strengthening activity and fall math with hands-on learning.
       

      Looking for more apple activities?  Try these:

      The Apple Therapy Kit is full of fine motor, visual motor, and sensory motor tools to support fine motor skill development needed for handwriting and other functional tasks.

      This therapy kit, along with many other apple themed resources can be found inside The OT Toolbox Membership Club.

      Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

      Fine Motor Leaft Craft

      by
      plastic canvas sewing craft to make fall leaves

      I love this fine motor leaf craft and activity that we did back in September, 2015. It was a fun Fall occupational therapy activity that targets several areas of development: bilateral coordination, wrist stability, fine motor dexterity, and visual motor skills.

      plastic canvas sewing craft to make fall leaves

      This plastic canvas leaf is a fine motor sewing craft for kids.

      Fine Motor Leaf Craft

      This week in our second grade learning activities, we’re sharing this Fall Fine Motor Leaf craft that is perfect for second graders.  We love fine motor crafts and activities and this creative fall art was no exception.  Kids of all ages will love crafting up these Fall leaves (my three year old and 8 year old both had a blast!) It’s great because these leaves can get creative and as unique as the crafty kids like!

       
       
      Fall Leaf Art for second grade (or any age!). Kids can create this fine motor fall leaf craft and work on many skills like math, patterns, symmetry, homemaking/life skills, and more.
       
       
       


      Fall Fine Motor Leaves Craft

       
      (This post contains affiliate links.)You’ll need just a few materials for this easy Fall craft:
       
       To make the plastic canvas leaves: 
       
      1. We started by making a leaf shape on paper.  
      2. Fold a small square of paper in half and show your child how to draw half of a leaf.  

      Now is a good time to discuss symmetry and that leaves are symmetrical.  Second graders can discuss and learn about mirror symmetry by creating leaves on the halved paper.  

       
      Fall Leaf Art for second grade (or any age!). Kids can create this fine motor fall leaf craft and work on many skills like math, patterns, symmetry, homemaking/life skills, and more.
       
      Draw leaves on plastic canvas:
       
      1. Next, trace the leaf shapes onto the Plastic Canvas.  Tracing with a marker onto the bumpy textured surface of the canvas is great fine motor work as the child holds the paper in place with their assisting hand and maintains control of the marker while tracing.  
      2. You’ll want the child to manage the paper in place with bilateral coordination as they use both hands together in a coordinated manner. 
       
       
      Fall Leaf Art for second grade (or any age!). Kids can create this fine motor fall leaf craft and work on many skills like math, patterns, symmetry, homemaking/life skills, and more.
       
      Cut out the plastic canvas shapes.
       
      After tracing the leaf shape onto the canvas, have your child cut out the shape with scissors.  What a great scissor activity for older students like second graders!  
       
      The holes of the canvas really provides feedback to the child as they cut the curved lines of their leaves.
       
      Fall Leaf Art for second grade (or any age!). Kids can create this fine motor fall leaf craft and work on many skills like math, patterns, symmetry, homemaking/life skills, and more.
       
       

      Lacing plastic canvas shapes

      We’ve previously covered why I love lacing activities as an occupational therapist. There are just so many visual motor benefits to lacing tasks that support the areas that we are working on in OT sessions. 
       
      The plastic canvas craft is a great way to gain all of the benefits of lacing tasks! 
       
      After cutting out the leaves, start lacing!  Discuss the colors of the plastic cording and identify warm colors (red, yellow, orange) that might be seen on Fall leaves.  
       
      Explore the look of cool colors too (blue, green, purple) through discussion.  
       

      Sewing Activity for Kids

      This craft is a practical life skill activity, too. Besides the craft aspect, you can support the IADL of sewing with this activity. 

       
      Show the child how to thread the plastic cording though the holes of the canvas.  Show the students a running stitch and use terms “pull, over, and under”.  
       
      Try a whipstitch where the cording goes down through the plastic canvas and around the edge with parallel stitches over the edge of the shape.  
       
      These are all great terms to introduce to kids as a pre-sewing skill.
       
       

      Fall Leaf Art for second grade (or any age!). Kids can create this fine motor fall leaf craft and work on many skills like math, patterns, symmetry, homemaking/life skills, and more.

       Practice different sewing techniques using the plastic cord to make designs and trim around the plastic canvas leaves. 
       
      Allow the child to create as they like on their leaves.  Some of our leaves had long stitches that resembled the veins of the leaves (More symmetry!) and others were very creative with their colors and zig zagging lines.
       
      Fall Leaf Art for second grade (or any age!). Kids can create this fine motor fall leaf craft and work on many skills like math, patterns, symmetry, homemaking/life skills, and more.
       
      This Fall craft is sure to get the creativity and fine motor skills going!
       
      More skill areas covered in this activity:
       
      • Science: Discuss leaf types, tree names, and shapes.
      • Math:  Count out squares and patterns with the stitches.
      • Crafting:  Create a decorative garland with the leaves by hanging all of the leaves together.
      • Creative Expression:  Each leaf can be as unique as your child and the leaves of the trees this Fall.
      • Functional Skills/Homemaking:  Practice types of stitches on the plastic canvas.
      • Sewing:  Encourage more homemaking skills by introducing a plastic needle and thread.
      • Fine Motor:  Many fine motor skills are addressed in this activity-tripod grasp, bilateral hand coordination, scissor skills, 
       
       
       
      More Fine Motor Fall Art you will love:
       
       
       
       
      Fall leaves therapy kit

      You can continue the Fall leaves theme by using our Fall Leaves Therapy Kit. It’s available inside The OT Toolbox Membership, or you can find it in our Therapy Kit bundle.

      Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.