DIY Pencil Grip

A pencil grip is helpful in keeping a good hold on your writing utensil.

The tripod grasp is a classic and very ergonomic way to hold a pencil for drawing or writing. The tripod involves holding the pencil with three fingers — the thumb, pointer and middle finger, with pressure between the thumb and middle. For kids just learning to write, this grasp may take a while to learn, but a pencil grip can help. You can make your own pencil grips at home, and best of all, this is a project you can do with children.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Model Magic, or other spongy clay
• Food coloring

Instructions

1. Put a fist-sized chunk of Model Magic or other spongy clay on a table. Pour a 10 to 15 drops of food coloring onto the clay. Kneed the clay so that you work the food coloring into the entire material.

2. Tear a small piece (a half-inch ball) of colored clay off of the ball. Pierce the lead end of the pencil through the small ball. Your clay should essentially form a circle around the first inch of the painted part of the pencil.

3. Roll the clay covered section of pencil between your hands to create more of a cylinder of clay around the pencil.

4. Gently squeeze the clay cylinder part of the pencil in a tripod grip. This process creates indents in the clay so that when it dries, you will know where to put your fingers.

5. Allow the pencil grip to dry fully before moving or taking off the pencil.

Tips & Warnings

• You can mix the food coloring in only partially to create a marbled effect.

• Model Magic is a Crayola modeling clay. You do not need to use this specific brand.

References

• Hold the Pencil -- Lessons and Tips
• Model Magic Craft Ideas

Resources

• School Crafts: Pencil Buddies