A good pencil grip:*allows a child to move his or her fingers efficiently rather than the wrist, the whole hand or the arm*not fatigue while writing*write neatly

The latest research is showing how the use of smart devices is having a huge impact on the fine motor skills in children under the age of five.

Researchers state children who use too much technology show up to school unable to cut paper with scissors or hold pencils. Tablets and smartphones make great babysitters for crying or bored children but, they could be keeping your kids from developing the important hand strength they require for fine motor activities and holding a pencil correctly.

A few different pencil grips work efficiently, but the tripod gripis the gold standard. It works like this:

The pencil rests against the hand and the middle finger, while the thumb and index finger control the pencil. The other two fingers are tucked under.

As you write, your fingers control the pencil. Having this much control from the fingers makes it easier to write neatly. You have precise control close to the tip of the pencil. Also notice that as you write, there is very little movement in the wrist or the arm.

What happens when you use an incorrect pencil grip? Try writing with your wrist, hand, or arm and see how much movement is in the wrist. You may even see your arm muscles moving.

Not only does incorrect position fatigue the hand, wrist, and arm muscles, it also covers the letters and blocks your vision while writing. A correct pencil grip provides a much clearer view of the letters.

The more children use their hands for things like colouring, play dough, cutting, and playing with blocks, the sooner they will develop the necessary strength and fine motor skills to hold pencils in a dynamic tripod grip. This usually happens around age four.

Have your child practice writing with proper pencil grip until it is comfortable. It may take some work and reminders, but once a correct grip is solidified, it is one of the best free gifts you can help your child to posess.