Left-handed people make up about 10% of the population. While being a lefty is not inherently problematic, using tools and objects designed for right-handed people can present some challenges. One of the first hurdles lefties face is learning to hold and use a pencil.
What is the best pencil grip for left handed writers?
The tripod grip is generally considered the best pencil grip for both righties and lefties. With the tripod grip, the pencil rests on the middle finger, with the thumb and index finger providing control and movement. For lefties, the tripod grip helps avoid smudging as the hand moves across the page from left to right.
Key features of the lefty tripod grip:
- Pencil rests on middle finger
- Index finger on top of pencil, near the point
- Thumb stabilizes pencil on side
- Wrist straightened
- Pencil angled 45-60 degrees from paper
This grip allows maximum control and fluency of writing motions. The angle of the pencil helps lefties see what they are writing without their hand blocking the view.
Why is the tripod grip good for lefties?
There are a few key reasons the tripod grip works well for left-handed writers:
- Avoids smudging – Since the outside edge of the hand rests on the paper, rather than the palm, smudging is reduced.
- Promotes proper wrist position – The tripod grip encourages keeping the wrist straight, rather than hooked under the hand.
- Angles pencil from paper – Angling the pencil away from the paper helps lefties see around their writing hand.
- Allows flexibility – The fingers and thumb can make small adjustments for writing tasks like drawing vs. writing.
What are some alternate pencil grips for left handers?
While the tripod grip is ideal, some lefties use other pencil grips successfully. Common alternate grips include:
Sidewriting Grip
- Pencil rests between thumb and knuckle of index finger
- Pencil angles sharply back from writing surface
- Pushes hand away from writing line
- Can feel awkward at first
Crosswriting Grip
- Pencil rests on middle or ring finger near tip
- Index finger crosses over pencil to hold it in place
- Good for underwriters who hook hand while writing
- Angles pencil back from paper
Four Finger Grip
- Pencil rests on middle finger
- Index and ring fingers grip pencil for control
- Good for those with poor finger dexterity
- Can make detailed writing difficult
The key for lefties is finding a grip that feels comfortable, avoids smudging, and promotes good writing posture. The tripod grip does this for most, but experimenting can help lefties find what works best for their own needs.
What pencil angle is best for left hand writers?
The ideal pencil angle for left-handed writing is 45-60 degrees back from the paper. This angle:
- Keeps the writing hand from obstructing the view
- Avoids smudging as the hand moves left to right
- Allows the wrist to remain straight
- Lets the pencil tip contact writing surface at optimal angle
Too straight or too sharp of a pencil angle can cause hand discomfort. Anything below a 30 degree angle risks more smudging as the hand drags through what’s being written.
The tripod grip naturally promotes a 45-60 degree angle. Other grips may require some wrist adjusting to achieve this optimal left-handed angle.
What are some tips for teaching left handed children pencil grip?
Here are some useful tips when teaching young lefties proper pencil grip:
- Use a short beginner pencil – Shorter pencils are easier for small hands to control.
- Demonstrate proper grip – Show and explain the tripod grip and have the child practice it.
- Praise progress – Encourage use of the new grip, even if awkward at first.
- Consider temporary adaptations – Some lefties do better starting with grips like the sidewriting grip before transitioning to tripod.
- Focus on comfort and control – The grip should not be painful. Adjustments can be made while maintaining the basics.
- Check posture – Make sure wrists are straight, body is positioned well relative to work surface.
- Suggest thicker pencils – More substantial pencils are easier for kids to grip.
- Remind to grip lightly – Holding too tightly tenses the hand muscles.
Start by having kids experience the full tripod grip. Adjust from there if needed while encouraging progress towards the ideal grip. Proper positioning and a relaxed pencil hold come with practice.
What pencil brands are best for left handed writers?
The best pencils for left-handed writers have a few key features:
- Smooth lead – Brands like Staedtler and Derwent have highly polished, smoother graphite that resists catching on the page.
- Strong point – A sturdy pencil point prevents frequent breaks under lefties’ heavier pressure.
- Smudge-free – Pencils made for artists often have harder graphite cores and protective coatings to reduce smearing.
- Comfortable grip – Hexagonal barrels and shaped grips make pencils easier to hold.
Some top options include:
| Brand | Product | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Staedtler | Noris Jumbo Triangular Pencils | Tri-grip shape prevents rolling. Break-resistant medium graphite. |
| Pentel | Clic Erasers | Soft grip. Automatically feeds new eraser as needed. |
| Derwent | Graphic Pencils | Hex shape for easy holding. Smudge and fade resistant. |
| Ooly | Minimalist Pencils | Matte finish prevents slipping. HB break-resistant graphite. |
| Ticonderoga | My First Pencils | Beginner size for small hands. Thick, easy grip. |
The key is finding pencils made for control and comfort, with smooth graphite to prevent catching on the paper. This allows lefties to write smoothly and minimize smudging.
Should left handed children use special notebooks or paper?
For the best writing experience, left-handed kids benefit from using paper and notebooks designed for left-handed writing. Useful features include:
- Loose leaf or removable pages – Being able to move paper helps position it for the ideal writing angle.
- Wide or double lined paper – The extra space between lines prevents hand shadowing.
- Limited right page margins – This prevents the spiral bindings from getting in the way.
- Smooth, thicker paper – This prevents smudging and helps pens glide smoothly.
Many major school supply brands now offer wide ruled spiral notebooks tailored to left-handed kids. For those still developing handwriting skills, using paper designed for lefties can help proper technique.
As skills improve, regular college ruled paper is likely sufficient. But having left-handed supplies available can make writing much easier for kids struggling with technique or smudging issues.
What pencil grips can help lefties?
Specialized pencil grips can further help left-handed writers hold pencils in the ideal position. Grips to consider include:
- Rubber pencil grips – Soft rubber that slides onto pencils for extra comfort and control.
- Ergonomic grips – Shaped for optimal finger placement in tripod grip.
- Writing claws – Guides pencil into ideal angle while keeping hand off page.
- Crossover grips – For lefties who tend to hook their wrist while writing.
- Finger spacers – Keep fingers properly spaced in tripod grip.
Trying out different types of grips allows lefties to find what feels most comfortable. Rubber grips that easily slide over standard pencils are a good starting point before investing in more specialized grips.
Proper grip helps left-handed writers use good technique right from the start. And it can assist those trying to correct bad habits developed using traditional right-handed pencils and grips.
Does pencil grip affect handwriting?
Yes, how a child holds their pencil has a significant impact on handwriting legibility, speed, and ease. Pencil grip affects:
- Letter formation – Good grip allows proper letter shaping.
- Writing posture – Ideal grip encourages proper hand, wrist, and arm positioning.
- Pencil control – Maximum control enables writing fluency and accuracy.
- Fatigue – Improper grips strain the hand faster.
- Speed – Efficient grips make writing faster with practice.
For lefties, the tripod grip offers the best pencil control and endurance. Alternate grips like the lateral quadrupod can also allow neat, quick writing provided the wrist remains straight. Hooking the wrist, using too tight a grip, or holding too close to the end of the pencil generally causes poor legibility and quicker fatigue.
Taking the time to teach proper grip when kids are first learning to write ensures they get off to the best start for lifelong good penmanship. And it prevents the need to correct bad habits later on.
What pencil thickness is best for a child learning to write?
When starting to print and write, children benefit from using thicker pencils. Wider barrel diameters help little hands learn proper grip. Good sizes to start with include:
- Beginner pencils – Up to 15mm diameter
- Preschool pencils – 10-12mm diameter
- Junior pencils – 7-10mm diameter
Once children have the dexterity and strength to control a standard-sized pencil, they can transition to regular pencils. But providing larger pencils in early grades can really help establish proper grip habits.
It’s also a good idea to have a variety of widths on hand. Even older kids may find that thicker pencils help when doing projects requiring prolonged writing. The right pencil size makes writing much easier for kids learning penmanship.
Conclusion
Left-handed children face unique challenges when first learning to write with a pencil. Developing proper grip, posture, and pencil angle prevents smudging issues and promotes good handwriting technique.
The ideal lefty pencil grip is the tripod grip, with the pencil resting on the middle finger and gripped between the thumb and index finger. A 45-60 degree pencil angle is preferred to keep the wrist straight and avoid obstructing the view.
Thicker beginner’s pencils allow young lefties to grasp and control pencils more easily. Lefty-friendly notebooks with more space between lines are also beneficial. As left-handed children master proper grip and positioning, they can transition to standard school writing supplies. Focusing on good habits right from the start prevents problems down the road.
