# Lesson 1: Holding a Pencil Correctly

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Getting Started with Writing

← Back to Level 1

## Objective

I can hold my pencil in a comfy tripod grip, keep my wrist relaxed, and use light pressure to make smooth, controlled strokes.

## Materials

- Short, sharpened pencil
- Eraser
- Ruled paper (primary lines preferred)
- Tracing Pad (below)
- (Optional) Pencil grip or small rubber band

## Mini-lesson — Making your grip comfy

When you hold your pencil in a comfy way, writing feels easier and your hand does not get tired so fast.

What is a tripod grip?

- Your thumb and pointer finger gently pinch the pencil.
- Your middle finger is the little seat under the pencil.
- The other fingers curl softly into your hand and stay relaxed.

How should the pencil sit?

- The pencil points towards your shoulder, not straight up in the air.
- It rests between your thumb and pointer finger, not in a fist.
- It moves mostly with your fingers, not your whole arm.

Light pressure

- Press lightly, so there are no deep dents in the paper.
- Try to make smooth lines, not very dark or scratchy.
- If your hand hurts, stop for a moment, shake your fingers, and then start again.

Ask yourself: "Can my fingers wiggle? Is my wrist soft? Is my pencil pointing to my shoulder?"

Picture strip: "Tripod grip check"

## Guided Practice — Tripod grip routine

Use this routine to set up your grip and warm up your fingers before you write.

1. Make your grip: Hold your pencil with a tripod grip: thumb and pointer finger pinch, middle finger is the little seat. Check that your other fingers are relaxed.
2. Do a quick check: Ask yourself, "Can my fingers wiggle? Is my wrist soft? Is my pencil pointing to my shoulder?" If something feels squashed, try again slowly.
3. Trace on the pad: On the Tracing Pad, choose lines or letters from the dropdown. Make short, top-to-bottom strokes with light pressure. Try to keep each line smooth.
4. Say the rule: Each time you start a row, quietly say, "Soft fingers, light pressure." Let your hand move gently, not too hard.
5. Move to paper: On your paper, write one neat line of l l l l l. Circle the row that looks the smoothest to you.
6. Take a small rest: If your hand feels tired, stop for a moment. Gently shake your fingers, then do one more short row.

You can use this grip warm-up at the start of writing time until your comfy tripod grip feels quick and easy.

Tracing Pad
Lines
Trace
Pen

## Drag & Drop — Build and write grip rules

First, build each short sentence. Then copy it onto your ruled paper.

Step 1 (on the device): Drag the words into the correct order. Release inside a slot to drop.

Step 2 (on paper): Write each finished sentence on your paper with neat letters and clear spaces.

Pinch the pencil gently .
Rest it on your middle finger .
Keep your wrist soft and relaxed .
Use light pressure for smooth lines .
Hold your paper steady .

## Quick Check — Holding a pencil correctly

Answer each question about grip, wrist, and light pressure. This is a gentle 10-question check.

#### Which grip is best for writing?

Fist grip Tripod grip Two hands on the pencil

#### The pencil should rest on your…

Middle finger Fingernails Pinky finger

#### Your thumb and pointer finger should…

Squeeze very hard Stay stiff Pinch gently

#### You should hold the pencil…

At the very top Near the tip On the sharp point

#### Good pencil pressure is…

Light and steady Very heavy Changing all the time

#### Your wrist should feel…

Bent sharply Tight and frozen Soft and relaxed

#### Good writing posture is…

Lying on your tummy Sitting tall with feet on the floor Twisting sideways

#### Your other hand should…

Hold the paper Stay in your pocket Wave in the air

#### Practice lines should go…

In circles only Side to side only From top to bottom

#### If your hand feels tired you should…

Press harder Rest and shake your fingers Scribble very fast

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Uses a tripod grip (thumb, index, middle finger) Keeps wrist relaxed and moves arm smoothly Applies light, even pressure (no deep dents in paper) Shows simple strokes (lines) that are controlled and neat

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 My grip feels comfy and steady. 🙂 I need practice with grip or pressure. 😅 Holding the pencil still feels tricky.

#### I will practice…

Tripod grip Light pressure Sitting tall and steady
Lesson 2 →