FELT STRIP PENCIL GRASP STABILIZER

A quick trick for pencil grasp!

Create a "stabiliser" by using a felt strip.  I use felt strips approximately 2.5 cm wide x 5 cm long (but the size doesn't really matter). Sew a button to one end of the felt strip and place a small slit at the other end.  Place your pencil through the hole create in the felt.  

Ask your child to hold the button end of the felt strip so that it is hidden into the palm of their hand whilst holding the pencil with the thumb and index finger. Rest the third finger behind the pencil. 

This felt strip helps to work on the "separation of the two sides of the hand".  The fourth and fifth fingers holding the button are stabilising the hand so that the other fingers (thumb, index and third fingers) can move the pencil.  A pencil grip can also support the fingers to hold the pencil. 

For some children, the pencil grip and felt strip create a "superhero costume" for the pencil (a mask and cape). The pencil is then given super hero powers to help with writing on the line, staying in control of the pencil for formation, not rushing, remembering the size of letters ... or anything else you need help with! 

Watch me put this simple felt strip into action... HERE

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A post shared by Cindy @ Your Kids OT ✏️□□□□ (@yourkidsot)

A side note that these felt strips have been used for buttoning practice! Create a chain of buttoned strips to form a daisy chain!

​Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. â€‹â€‹â€‹
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