Pencil grip - starting school

[PeanutButterOnly]

Hello - I'm wondering whether it's important to encourage a child to use 'proper' pencil grip before starting school. He will only be 4.0 when he goes in September and currently uses fisted grasp or what I think may be called palmar grasp? Is this something that will correct itself given time? Will check with his nursery too, but am interested if anyone here knows? He can't write his name as such yet although he likes to try a few letters. He does know some of the letter sounds and can recognise his name. TIA

Here in Germany they recommend using triangular shaped fat pencils - like these as it encourages the right grip.

Hi PeanutButterOnly:

This sounds like the ideal thing to raise at a parent/ teacher meeting or home visit prior to your DC starting school. Most schools also have visit days in July, when the incoming year R pupils come in small groups to be assessed but also to make the first proper day of school less nerve racking (for both children & parents) - because you have already met the teacher, a few of the children, know where to go, etc....

If you haven't received any information about this from the school where you're starting - I'd drop them a quick e-mail or ring them and ask if there will be any parent/ teacher meetings or visit days for incoming 2013-2014 Class R pupils.

It's been a few years now (DDs in Y3 & Y5) but as I recall, pencils & pens were supplied by the school here and triangular/ large grip pencils/ crayons/ pens were used. Several children had the 'grasp' you described (including DD2) and the school worked with them to help them with writing.

mrz - quite a regular here on MN - came up with a very helpful list of ideas to improve 'motor development' - here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/1124615-FAO-Mrz-Fine-Motor-development/AllOnOnePage - so these may help over the summer and Year R.

My final advice is do try to remember that the school will take into account your DC is just 4 - they will recognise the huge difference between a nearly 5 year old and a just turned 4 years old child. Your DC will get there!

As a friend once reassured me when I was worried about DD1 not making infant milestones prior to starting school - you'll find you worry about something terribly at the time, but six months later that problem is solved and you've moved on to worrying about something totally new.

HTH

Also simple things like playing with Lego help fine motor skills which in turn help with strengthen the muscle in the hand.

My dd is coming to the end of year one and still finds pencil grip difficult. I would encourage your son as much as possible to use the correct grip.
In my experience the teachers do not correct too much.

Thanks, that's all very helpful. I will ask at the school. We have a visit day in July but luckily DS already knows the school as he has older siblings. That is quite right with regards to the finding new things to worry about as time goes on ha, ha, ha. That is always the case with me! One thing that I have found good with writing at this age is bath pens. They are messy but luckily DS likes cleaning them off at the end! I might also get an easel if vertical is a good idea (mrz list very comprehensive ).