How important is it, developmentally-wise, to have Joy grip her pencil properly? She writes with her middle finger on top along with her index finger... If I correct her, and she will write that way for a while, but then she'll switch back. Should I just let her keep doing it as long as she is making letters correctly (which she is!), or is this going to cause long-term issues? And isn't silly how we start obsessing over little things, cuz we don't know if they ARE little or big? I'm so glad I have you all to ask!
I would let her write however she is comfortable as long as she is doing it correctly. Because Emma cut of her finger, she writes holding her pencil with her thumb and middle finger and writes very well. I remember when my teachers would try to make me write with my right hand instead of my left. I couldn't stand it, I was comfortable and it works for me. Patty
Come to think about it, my middle daughter writes like your daughter and she is an adult and has no problems. Patty
I personally don't think it is a big deal. As long as she is comfortable with the writing. I think everyone writes (holds pen/pencil) differently. Between my daughter, husband and I, we all hold pens/pencils differently.
Does Joy still have therapy? If so, talk with the OT. I doubt your sister would know, since she deals with mostly older people. Do you have one of those thick pencils for Joy, or try getting a rubber grip. It's almost impossible for her to hold it wrong with one of those. I may still have one. If I come across it, I'll let you know. Personally, I'd just remind her when you "catch" her holding it wrong, but eventually she'll do it properly. It's not uncommon with kids her age.
She never had an OT.. Her motor skills are fine - it was just her communication skills that were/are behind. She isn't going to speech now either. The public school has a community speech program for kids who are in private school or are homeschooled, but when I called to get Joy into it they never called back. I probably should have kept calling, but she is doing SO well that I sorta blew it off. I'll quit fussing about her holding the pencil as long as she is writing without any difficulty. Thanks, everyone!
When my dd8 was tested by and OT, they gave her a special pencil grip that placed her fingers in the correct position. She hated using it and eventually, I stopped fighting it. I don't hold my pencil correctly, so I stopped worrying about it. In fact, all 3 of my school-agers hold their pencils differently. The 2 lefties do hold theirs similarly though. If you are interesed in the pencil grip, I'll find out the exact name for it. They are about $3 each and are usually available at teacher stores.
My sister and I are the only lefties on our family. When I write, the paper is turned completely sideways and I write towards my body. My sister writes the way we are taught in school and she smears her writing every time. I cannot write like this. It is very uncomfortable for me and my writing is even more sloppy then what it already is. The way I write also keeps me from smearing my work. Patty
Another thing... I think the Ticonderoga tri-grip pencils are supposed to be good at placing the fingers in the correct postition. They are available at teacher stores, too.
Madison has pencil grips and hates them, acts like they are torture <eye roll> so I just let her hold her pencil how ever she wants really. She is left handed and that is new to me since Im not. I just get happy when the work is legible and all the letters are on the same line not higher or lower than the others. GL! Any lefty teaching tips?
I think those are the ones I was thinking of. They're fairly cheap, and you can get them for both the thick, "primary" pencils, as well as a "normal" pencil.
I agree with the others about not letting it become a big deal. If you notice her grip is weak then I'd say differently. If she shows strong or adequate writing skills with the way she grips it, let her be then. I think griping a pencil/pen a certain way is something to not to work a sweat over.
Marylyn, I did find a grip. It's a fairly simple one that fits on the regular size pencils. I could send it if you want. It'd give me an excuse to send you the kdis' Christmas picture. If you want it, send me a PM. I don't think I have your address.
