Navigation
Focusing on the correct way to hold a pencil and form both big and small letters.
Imagine if your pencil was a tiny rocket ship—how would you hold it to make sure it lands exactly where you want it to go?
To write like a pro, we use the Tripod Grip. Think of your thumb and index finger as a 'pinch.' They hold the pencil near the tip. Then, let the pencil rest on your middle finger for support. This gives you the best control! Your hand should feel relaxed, not tight like a squeezed lemon. When your grip is just right, your pencil can glide across the paper easily.
Quick Check
Which two fingers 'pinch' the pencil in a Tripod Grip?
Answer
The thumb and the index (pointer) finger.
Uppercase letters are the tall leaders of the alphabet. They almost always start at the 'Sky' (the top line) and go down to the 'Grass' (the bottom line). A very important rule is to always start your letters at the top and pull your pencil down. This makes your writing faster and neater!
Let's make a capital : 1. Put your pencil on the top 'Sky' line. 2. Draw a straight line down to the 'Grass' line. 3. Without lifting your pencil, draw a short line across the 'Grass' to the right.
Lowercase letters are shorter and usually stay below the 'Fence' (the middle dotted line). They must sit right on the 'Grass' line so they don't look like they are floating away! Some letters like stay small, while others like or have tall necks that reach the sky.
Let's make a lowercase : 1. Start just below the middle 'Fence' line. 2. Circle back and around to touch the 'Grass' line, making a 'c' shape. 3. Close the circle at the 'Fence' and pull a straight line down to the 'Grass'.
Quick Check
Where should the bottom of your letters sit so they don't 'float'?
Answer
On the bottom line (the 'Grass' line).
When we write words in a sentence, they need room to breathe. We use Finger Spacing to keep them apart. If words are too close, they look like one giant, confusing word! If they are too far, they look lost. One finger width is the perfect 'secret' measurement.
Let's write 'I see': 1. Write the uppercase (Sky to Grass). 2. Place your index finger on the paper right after the . 3. Start the word 'see' on the other side of your finger. 4. Make sure all sit on the 'Grass' line!
Where do we start drawing most letters?
What should you use to make sure your words aren't too close together?
Uppercase letters should touch both the top line and the bottom line.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to remember the name of the 'pinch' grip and show someone how to do it.
Practice Activity
Try this on your own: Write your first name three times. Focus on starting every letter at the top and keeping them all sitting on the bottom line!