[blparent] Holding a Pencil Right

[Bernadetta Pracon]

Yeah, it does matter, especially to sighted folks. Most kids figure it 
out on instinct, or maybe they mimic their parents and others they see 
writing with a pen or pencil. The pencil grip, as I was told it's 
called, allows a person to be able to write more legibly or easily. 
Although don't quote me on that reason. That's what I've been told, but 
I've been blind forever, so what do I know. I do know, however, what 
the pencil grip is. Or the pincher grip, as you called it.
If I am correct, the pencil is held primarily between your first two 
fingers, the middle and the pointer. The pointer finger is slightly 
above and in front of the middle finger, and the thumb supports the 
pencil from behind. the pencil is held just above the tip, so very 
close to the paper. This allows for more control of your writing, so 
it's not all over the place as it would be if you held your pencil at a 
higher point, closer to the eraser for instance. You hold a eutencil 
the same way. It'll be important for sarah to learn it, especially 
because teachers in grade school might give her grief about it if she 
doesnt. So maybe have someone sighted work on it with her if they are 
willing, or have them show you so you can show her.

HTH

Bernadetta P