Pencil grip

The study introduces a descriptive two-dimensional model for the categorisation of pencil grips, which is suitable for application in a classroom setting. The model is used in four empirical studies of children during the first six years of writing instruction. A depiction of pencil grips and their development is presented. A cross-cultural comparison of grips observed in Finland and the USA showed that the distribution of the pencil grips observed in the American pupils was significantly different from those found in Finland. The relationship between pencil grips and handwriting is investigated, and theories that certain grips lead to illegibility and/or to strain in the hand are in general not confirmed. Certain pencil grips that previously were considered deleterious might therefore be included among those accepted by schools.

Ann-Sofie Selin (formerly Lyytinen-Lund) has a Master’s degree (1996) in special education from Åbo Akademi University. She is the special education teacher at Cygnæus School in Åbo, and currently a member of the Board of Directors of the International Reading Association, Newark, DE, USA.

Keywords: pencil grip, categorisation, development, handwriting, mechanics of writing, speed, fluency, legibility