When your child holds a pencil, we want them to use an efficient grip, which allows them to write without pain or fatigue. The most efficient grip is the tripod grip. The pencil rests between the pads of the thumb and index finger while resting on the middle finger. The thumb and index finger make a circular shape which allows you to make small precise movements. Your child will naturally progress through the different pencil grips and may take a while to reach an efficient g

Each of the letters in the Incy Wincy Spider family contains vertical lines, represented by the water spout. This activity is about helping your child to link the letters by visualising the water spout and using the sets of phrases.

If I ask my children to practice handwriting, they don't want to. But if I invite them to play a game, they jump at the chance of beating me! Traditional pencil and paper games are a great way to get children to practise writing the strokes needed for letter formation, without them thinking they are practising handwriting! Here are a couple of our favourite games.

This activity is from the Pre-Writers Club - Unit 5. This unit is themed around Humpty Dumpty and contains lots of activities to support children with their pencil grip. What you need: Chalk Wall/Vertical Surface

The first part of this activity is from the Pre-Writers Club - Unit 1. This unit is themed around Incy Wincy Spider and contains lots of activities to support children with their pencil grip. What you need: White wax crayon (or candle) Paper Watercolour paint (or watered-down paint) Brush Water