Pencil grip resources in schools

[Soapysuds64]

I have just noticed that my 6 year old dd has a poor pencil grip (also claw hand position....) I am just in the process of buying her a writing slope and some pencil grips for use at home, and will work hard to improve it. Today was first day back at school, P2, so I mentioned it to her new teacher, who said she would keep an eye on it - fair enough, but she didn't mention any pencil grips or anything physical to help. So I was wondering - is it normal for schools to use / provide grips and writing slopes? If so, for what ages and classes, and how many per class? Do they make a big difference, or not so much? Our PTA has raised loads of money, and doesn't always know what to spend it on..... Would slopes and grips be a useful addition to a class?

It depends on the school. In my school, we don't correct pencil grip unless it's causing the child problems. I see lots of children writing with their pencil in a fist. It's very hard to change by year 3, and they seem comfortable.

I don't use the correct pencil grip myself, and when I was little I had some very OTT teachers who insisted I used the three point grip. I couldn't do it, so just refused to write. I would suggest that, if your DD is happy writing with her pencil grip, then not to worry too much.

Tbh, it is not tooooooo bad, so I think a little bit of work now before she is writing loads and loads will crack it. Am also interested though in what resources schools use (or would like to) use, and whether it is a good thing for the PTA to fund. Ours will spend the money on crap otherwise.

We have about 3 rubber grips for the whole school to share. I guess they're not prioritised on the budget.

I have had a few children who struggled with writing comfortably- we tend to do some simple OT tasks with them, like manipulating blue tak into different shapes, following drawn curves using either pencils or scissors, and popping bubble wrap. Not sure if it works or it's just a tick box exercise, but improving fine motor control can make a huge difference to handwriting and pencil grip.

You could have a look at SEN Teacher for some fine motor control activities.

Current thinking from occupational therapists is only to correct pencil grip if it is "ineffective" and/or "painful".
Schools would not routinely provide writing slopes for children (mainly used for children with moderate-significant physical difficulties.
Personally I'm not a fan of pencil grips although I do provide Yoropen(cils), Penagain and Stabilo Easyergo pencils.

OT provided my DS's writing slope and I was told to buy him pencil grips by the SfL teacher.

I had to get my own for my dd.

Our school prioritises these kind of resources but I think that's due to the excellent SENCO.

DS1 was given a grip when he started Juniors and he loves it.

DS2 is dyspraxic and has had a lot of extra help including paper with raised lines, writing slopes etc. He uses fat pencils rather than grips.

The slope is a bit if a mixed blessing though as he struggles to position it correctly and without doing this it makes things harder, but one of his friends has used one for different reasons and improved dramatically.

Our school bought various grips for dd but might also be worth asking for OT to check her out esp if any other issues with fine motor?

If grip isn't causing too much of an issue, they won't correct but if ultimately it will cause pain when writing more later on at school, you may be able to start the ball rolling for a keyboard.

We were told grips were ineffective for dd but we are getting supportive seating to help all provided by OT.