Level 1 • Lesson 1 — Holding a Pencil Correctly

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

Follow this quick routine to set up a comfy tripod grip and make smooth, light strokes.

Make your grip: Thumb + pointer pinch gently. Middle finger is the seat.
Check: Fingers relaxed. Wrist soft. Pencil points toward your shoulder.
Practice: Trace a few rows with light pressure and slow control.
Pause: If your hand feels tired, shake your fingers and try one more short row.

Aim for smooth lines — not dark, scratchy marks.

Tracing Pad

Lines Trace

Pen

Drag & Drop — Build and write grip rules

Write or drag the words into the correct order to build each grip rule.

Pinchthe pencilgently .

Restit onyour middlefinger .

Keepyour wristsoft andrelaxed .

Uselight pressurefor smoothlines .

Holdyour papersteady .

Quick Check — Holding a pencil correctly

Answer each question about grip, wrist, and light pressure.

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 1: Holding a Pencil Correctly