Five quick checks for a better pencil grip

Many handwriting problems start long before the first letter is formed. They start in the hand. Whether you are six or sixty, if your writing (or your child’s) looks shaky, cramped or tiring, check these five things first.

1. A relaxed grip

The pencil should rest between the thumb and the first two fingers. If the fingertips turn white or the pencil leaves a deep groove on the page, the grip is too tight.

2. Fingers close to the tip

Fingers placed about two centimetres from the tip give good control without hiding the writing. Too close makes the hand cramped. Too far makes the line wobbly.

3. A steady helping hand

The other hand should hold the page still. A page that slides around makes every letter slightly different.

4. Posture and paper angle

Feet flat, back supported, forearm resting on the desk. The paper should be angled so the writing hand can move freely without smudging. Left-handed writers often need a different angle from right-handed writers, and a coach can help find it.

5. Short, regular practice

Ten relaxed minutes a day beat one long, tiring session. Stop before the hand gets tired, so practice always ends on a good note.

If you are unsure about your grip, or your child’s, a certified coach can spot it in a few minutes. Find a coach near you.